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After a strong 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, Japan is determined to avoid repeating the mistake of losing to Costa Rica in the 2022 World Cup. The team is focusing on mental and tactical discipline ahead of facing Tunisia, who have a new coach. The match is crucial for both teams' progression hopes.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has called on his players to demonstrate their progress over the last three and a half years as they face the Netherlands in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Sunday. He emphasized relentless preparation and confidence, noting this is the team's third consecutive World Cup under his leadership.
Newly appointed Japan captain Ko Itakura has pledged to unite the squad following the departure of his predecessor Wataru Endo, which disrupted preparations for the World Cup opener against the Netherlands. Itakura, named captain shortly after Endo left for personal reasons, vowed to take responsibility and connect the players. The match against the Netherlands is seen as Japan's first major test, but Itakura says the team is ready and trusts its collective ability.
Japan's World Cup hopes have been dealt a devastating blow as captain Wataru Endo is ruled out on the opening day due to an injury sustained in training. Teammate Daichi Kamada called it a 'huge shock,' while coach Hajime Moriyasu pledged the team would fight for their leader. Endo, 33, who has 65 caps, missed the previous World Cup in 2022 for similar reasons.
Japan captain Wataru Endo has announced his retirement from international football after failing to recover from a foot injury, just three days before Japan's opening match of the 2026 World Cup against the Netherlands. The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder was replaced in the squad by Shuto Machino. Endo said he was disappointed but proud to have captained the team and expressed confidence Japan will one day win the World Cup.
Takumi Minamino will head to this summer's World Cup without playing a single minute, yet he remains fully committed to contributing to Japan's journey, taking on a mentoring role for the younger squad members. He emphasized his dedication to helping Japan achieve its best-ever performance, leveraging his experience and encouragement.
Vissel Kobe have won the J1 '100 Year Vision League' with a 5-2 aggregate victory over Kashima Antlers in Saturday's final. The one-off tournament was created to celebrate the Japan Football Association's 100-year vision. The title is Vissel Kobe's first J1 championship.
Yuya Osako scored a brilliant hat-trick as Western Conference champions Vissel Kobe crushed Eastern Conference leaders Kashima Antlers 5-0 at home in the first leg of the J-League playoff semi-finals on Saturday. The win puts Kobe on the verge of the final before the second leg.
Japan's Takefusa Kubo will wear the No. 8 shirt at the 2026 World Cup, replacing the injured Takumi Minamino. The 25-year-old Real Sociedad forward is seen as a key attacking asset alongside teammates Daichi Kamada and Ritsu Doan.
