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Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Nov 16, 2021

Soccer fans could face accommodation shortage at Qatar’s World Cup

Organizers said they expect to be able to offer up to 130,000 rooms — which could leave thousands of fans scrambling when matches start next November.
SOCCER / J. League
Sep 26, 2021

Love for hometown soccer club inspires PM hopeful Taro Kono

The LDP leadership candidate took an active role in the development of J. League side Shonan Bellmare, winning his own fans on the way.
SOCCER / WE LEAGUE
Sep 12, 2021

Late goal seals Urawa comeback over Beleza as WE League debuts

Yuzuho Shiokoshi's right-footed rocket gave the defending Nadeshiko League champion a win to start Japan's new professional women's soccer league.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Aug 11, 2021

Lionel Messi signs for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona

PSG wasted little time in targeting Messi after the heavily indebted Catalan club made clear it could not afford to keep him.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 4, 2021

After loss to Spain, Japan still wondering how to close gap with world soccer powers

In the end it was Real Madrid star Marco Asensio's game-winning goal that stood out the most when contrasted with Japan's failure to capitalize on any of its chances in the penalty area.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 1, 2021

Japan confident heading into Olympic soccer semifinal against Spain

After squeaking past New Zealand, the team appeared unfazed by the down-to-the-wire drama, because, at the end of the day, winning was the ultimate goal in the knockout stage.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Feb 26, 2021

Libya cleared to host international soccer games after ban lifted

A decade-long ban on international soccer matches being played in Libya has been lifted, the country’s soccer federation said on Thursday.
SOCCER / J. League
Nov 1, 2020

Japanese soccer legend Kengo Nakamura to retire

After his miraculous comeback from an ACL injury sustained last year, the former J. League MVP will hang up his boots at 40.
SOCCER
Nov 25, 2019

Urawa's ACL loss prompts reflection by Japanese soccer officials

For the Japanese soccer community, Urawa Reds' 3-0 aggregate defeat to Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal in the Asian Champions League final was unprecedented.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 25, 2019

In digital era, Chelsea's tie-up with Yokohama Rubber blazes new trail in Japan

For Chelsea supporters, the club's iconic blue uniform represents 114 years of history, dozens of domestic and continental trophies and a reputation as one of English soccer's established giants.
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Jun 14, 2018

World Cup views from Tokyo, Group A/B: Egypt, Russia, Uruguay, Morocco and Spain

Japan-based supporters of Group A and B teams fighting it out for the ultimate prize at the FIFA World Cup speak to The Japan Times.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Entertainment news
Jul 7, 2015

U.S.-Japan Women's World Cup showdown scored record American audience for soccer

The Women's World Cup final between the U.S. and Japan drew a record U.S. audience for a soccer game carried by a single network, according to preliminary Nielsen ratings released by Fox.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 26, 2014

Who is the better player, Messi or Maradona?

Who is the better soccer player, Lionel Messi now or Diego Maradona?
A ruling on whether Manchester City is guilty of breaching multiple financial regulations is expected early this year.
SOCCER
Jan 10, 2025

Man City's troubles on field would pale in comparison to loss in legal case

While form is temporary and fixable, a much larger and darker cloud has stationed itself over the Abu Dhabi-owned club.
Houston Dash player Yuki Nagasato greets fans after a match against Seattle Reign FC at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston on Sept. 21, 2024.
SOCCER
Mar 4, 2025

Houston Dash forward Yuki Nagasato retires after storied career

The 37-year-old appeared in 134 National Women's Soccer League matches, recording 23 goals and 25 assists.
Next year’s FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S., will test whether America — with President Donald Trump pushing tariffs and tough immigration policies — can draw global fans or drive them away.
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 21, 2025

The White House just kicked a World Cup own-goal

Next year’s FIFA World Cup will test whether the U.S. — with President Donald Trump pushing tariffs and tough immigration policies — can draw global fans or drive them away.

Longform

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