As we eagerly anticipate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Asian continent is experiencing a dynamic shift within its football landscape. Traditional powerhouses such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia are now accompanied by fresh contenders: Uzbekistan and Jordan. Their qualification signifies not simply a participation in a global event but a burgeoning resilience
Ayase Ueda
As the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfold, Japan stands on the brink of achieving its eighth consecutive participation in the world’s most prestigious football tournament. With four matches remaining in the third round of qualifiers, the dominance of the Samurai Blue is evident, as they hold a commanding nine-point lead over
Japan showcased an impressive attacking display in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Hajime Moriyasu introduced a new system, the 3-4-2-1 formation, which allowed the team to utilize their attacking talent effectively. The deployment of three central defenders and two central midfielders was conventional, but the inclusion