
Japan
1st in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC2025 Fixtures











Are Ayase Ueda and Japan are poised to take the 2026 World Cup by storm? ESPN tackles that, and Asia's other big talking points from the latest round of qualifiers.

Japan's ruthless display showed Indonesia the level they need to reach if they want to get to the FIFA World Cup.
VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION'S 2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER, JAPAN V INDONESIA

After a breakout season with Blackburn, Yūki Ōhashi is determined to grab his current opportunity with Japan.

Australia, Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Oman are all still looking to keep their World Cup dream alive on Tuesday.

The rapid rise of Kasey Bos is set to continue, with sources telling ESPN that the 21-year-old is nearing a move to Bundesliga outfit FSV Mainz.

Socceroos winger Daniel Arzani says he is yet to decide on his club future, but confirmed he's in discussions with several teams as his contract with Melbourne Victory nears its end -- amid reported interest from Scotland.

Socceroos forward Brandon Borrello says there is "no chance" Australia will let their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification dream slip away in Saudi Arabia next week.

Aziz Behich didn't initially know he had scored Australia's crucial goal vs. Japan, his first in international football since December 2012.

Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic has praised his squad for their backs-to-the-wall performance in last night's 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying upset win over Japan.
WCQ - AFC Table
# | TEAM | GP | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Japan | 10 | +27 | 23 |
2 | Australia | 10 | +9 | 19 |
3 | Saudi Arabia | 10 | -1 | 13 |
4 | Indonesia | 10 | -11 | 12 |
5 | China | 10 | -13 | 9 |
6 | Bahrain | 10 | -11 | 6 |
Team Leaders
Top Scorers
# | Player | Goals | M | A |
---|---|---|---|---|
Daichi Kamada | 5 | 12 | 1 | |
Takefusa Kubo | 4 | 11 | 8 | |
Keito Nakamura | 2 | 10 | 1 |
Top Assists
# | Player | Assists | M | G |
---|---|---|---|---|
Takefusa Kubo | 8 | 11 | 4 | |
Shuto Machino | 2 | 3 | 1 | |
Daichi Kamada | 1 | 12 | 5 |