Japan

Japan

1st in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
World Cup qualifying: Is this Asia's strongest contingent ever? World Cup qualifying: Is this Asia's strongest contingent ever?

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.

In brutal fashion, Japan show Indonesia the level needed to reach FIFA World Cup In brutal fashion, Japan show Indonesia the level needed to reach FIFA World Cup

Japan's ruthless display showed Indonesia the level they need to reach if they want to get to the FIFA World Cup.

Collection Collection

: Kluivert's Indonesia thrashed 6-0 as Japan cap successful World Cup qualifying campaign : Kluivert's Indonesia thrashed 6-0 as Japan cap successful World Cup qualifying campaign

VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION'S 2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER, JAPAN V INDONESIA

Yūki Ōhashi looking to seize Japan opportunity after breakout season with Blackburn Yūki Ōhashi looking to seize Japan opportunity after breakout season with Blackburn

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

What's at stake on final day of Asian third-round qualifiers for 2026 FIFA World Cup? What's at stake on final day of Asian third-round qualifiers for 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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

Sources: Kasey Bos nears Bundesliga switch Sources: Kasey Bos nears Bundesliga switch

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' Daniel Arzani weighing up next club move Socceroos' Daniel Arzani weighing up next club move

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.

Borrello: Borrello: "no chance" Socceroos let World Cup dream slip away

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 joins pantheon of Socceroos' World Cup qualification heroes Aziz Behich joins pantheon of Socceroos' World Cup qualification heroes

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

Tony Popovic hails Socceroos' resilience after shock win over Japan Tony Popovic hails Socceroos' resilience after shock win over Japan

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
Full Table

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