Japan
1st in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC2023 Schedule
IDN
JPN
JPN
AUS
KSA
JPN
BHR
JPN
JPN
CHN
JPN
SYR
MYA
JPN
PRK
JPN
JPN
PRK
IRN
JPN
BHR
JPN
JPN
IDN
IRQ
JPN
JPN
VIE
JPN
JOR
JPN
THA
Popovic lays foundations for rest of Socceroos' WCQ campaign
Three at the back, two wing-backs bombing forward and the ability to change things at the break. Australia now knows what to expect from Tony Popovic's Socceroos.
Japan nearly masters of their own downfall but quality in reserve comes to the rescue
Japan nearly contrived to lose to Australia but had too much quality waiting in the wings to be defeated.
Socceroos let lead slip but hang on for Japan draw
A Cameron Burgess own-goal denied the Socceroos what would have been a huge World Cup qualifying win over Japan.
High-flying Japan wary of rejuvenated Australia in Asian World Cup qualifiers
Japan will not be underestimating Australia despite being favourites for Tuesday's Asian World Cup qualifying clash.
Japan's effect on the Socceroos' coaching ranks
Australian football's ties to Hiroshima run deep, as former teammates Tony Popovic and Hajime Moriyasu prepare to lead their nations in a crucial Asian qualification clash.
Is Japan the world's best team outside Europe, South America?
With 20 wins in their last 22 games, Japan are in the type of form that could cause major shockwaves at the 2026 World Cup.
Amid the unpredictability of the Asian qualifiers, the only certainty is a Japan triumph
Japan continue to march on in the Asian qualifiers, this time comfortably winning a heavyweight clash with Saudi Arabia.
Japan face pivotal week in Asian World Cup qualifiers with Saudi Arabia, Australia lying in wait
Japan's march to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will meet two major hurdles in Saudi Arabia and Australia over the next week.
Socceroos call-up Nashville's Yazbek to replace injured Luongo
Nashville SC's Patrick Yazbek has been called up to replace Massimo Luongo after the Ipswich Town star was forced to withdraw from Australia's World Cup qualifiers due to an ankle injury.
Machida Zelvia fairy tale now under serious threat from surging Sanfrecce Hiroshima
The J1 League title looked Machida Zelvia's to lose. Now it could be Sanfrecce Hiroshima's to win.
WCQ - AFC Standings
| # | TEAM | GP | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 4 | +14 | 10 |
| 2 | Australia | 4 | +1 | 5 |
| 3 | Saudi Arabia | 4 | -1 | 5 |
| 4 | Bahrain | 4 | -4 | 5 |
| 5 | Indonesia | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 6 | China | 4 | -9 | 3 |
Team Leaders
Top Scorers
| # | Player | Goals | M | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayase Ueda | 8 | 8 | 2 | |
| Koki Ogawa | 4 | 6 | 1 | |
| Ritsu Doan | 3 | 9 | 4 |
Top Assists
| # | Player | Assists | M | G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junya Ito | 8 | 5 | 1 | |
| Ritsu Doan | 4 | 9 | 3 | |
| Takefusa Kubo | 4 | 6 | 2 |