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Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 23, 2022

Looking for the Qatar World Cup winner? Don’t follow the money

Even in today's winner-takes-all economy, superstars won't always come out ahead.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / NBA
Oct 20, 2022

Warriors following Barcelona's 'tika-taka' soccer blueprint to find success in NBA

Warriors guard Klay Thompson said that having a player open and keeping the ball moving are aspects they picked up from Barcelona.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Oct 11, 2022

Iran returns soccer legend Ali Daei's seized passport over protests

The retired Team Melli forward used social media to call on the government to 'solve the problems of the Iranian people rather than using repression, violence and arrests' in late September.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 5, 2022

Indonesian president orders stadium audit after deadly stampede

Joko Widodo that he had spoken with FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Monday about improving Indonesia's 'football management.'
SOCCER
Oct 1, 2022

Urawa fights back to win WE League Cup final over Beleza

Down 3-0 with less than 20 minutes left on the clock, the Reds rallied back to equalize the game before winning in penalties at Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Sep 25, 2022

Chinese anthem booed as international soccer returns to Hong Kong

Police equipped with video cameras looked on as fans booed 'March of the Volunteers' for about 10 seconds on Saturday before the Hong Kong team took on Myanmar.
SOCCER
Aug 25, 2022

Air-raid sirens cause Ukrainian soccer match to last over 4 hours

A Ukrainian Premier League match lasted 4 hours, 27 minutes instead of the normal 90 minutes after being interrupted by air-raid sirens on Wednesday.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (left) shoots against Toronto FC defender Raoul Petretta at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday.
SOCCER / World cup
Sep 22, 2023

'We'll see': Messi unsure about 2026 World Cup

For now, the Argentina captain said he is focused on the 2024 U.S.-hosted Copa America tournament.
England goalkeeper Mary Earps was among those calling for replicas of her jersey to be sold by team supplier Nike during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
SOCCER
Oct 10, 2023

Nike, after criticism, releases Mary Earps goalkeeper jersey

Nike previously faced backlash from fans and from Earps herself after replicas of the goalkeeper’s jersey were not made available during the competition.
Both the 2028 and 2032 editions of soccer's European Championship will be cohosted, governing body UEFA has announced.
SOCCER
Oct 11, 2023

U.K. and Ireland to host Euro 2028; Italy and Turkey awarded Euro 2032

Both bids ran unopposed but still needed official approval from European soccer's governing body, which they received at a meeting in Switzerland.
England's Harry Kane celebrates his second goal of the night against Italy during a Euro 2024 qualifier in London on Tuesday.
SOCCER
Oct 18, 2023

Harry Kane scores twice as England beats Italy to qualify for Euros

The goals took Kane's tally at Wembley to 24, one more than 1966 World Cup winner Bobby Charlton, making him England's all-time top scorer at the stadium.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi receives his 8th Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony in Paris on Monday.
SOCCER
Oct 31, 2023

Messi wins record eighth Ballon d'Or for best player in the world

Inter Miami's Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to its first World Cup title in 36 years last year.
Becoming the lone bidder for the 2034 World Cup, just 27 days after its campaign was announced, caps a stunning year where the unheralded Saudi Pro League has snapped up some of soccer's top stars including Cristiano Ronaldo (center).
SOCCER
Nov 1, 2023

Bridging the Gulf: How the World Cup is key to Saudi revamp

While human rights controversies have not gone away, the kingdom is gaining a reputation for extravagant forays into sport.
Uruguay forward Luis Suarez celebrates a win after a World Cup match in 2018 in Sochi, Russia.
SOCCER
Nov 4, 2023

Luis Suarez reportedly set to join Inter Miami

Inter Miami are continuing with their Barcelona reunion plan, as Suarez is set to join Lionel Messi with the MLS club.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino (right) after the Copa Libertadores final in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
SOCCER / Women's World cup
Nov 5, 2023

Brazil submits letter of intent to host 2027 Women's World Cup

Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands submitted a joint expression of interest in April, while the other joint bid includes the United States and Mexico.
Australia's soccer chief James Johnson believes his country can help FIFA turn its new Club World Cup into a global success.
SOCCER
Nov 14, 2023

Australia aims to follow U.S. in 'building' FIFA's Club World Cup

Australia last month opted not to bid for the 2034 World Cup after facing competition from Saudi Arabia.
South Korea's head coach Jurgen Klinsmann (center) speaks to his players during a training session at Mokdong Stadium on Nov. 13, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between South Korea and Singapore.
SOCCER
Nov 14, 2023

Warning for Japan as Asian heavyweights begin World Cup qualifying

A record eight direct spots and one intercontinental playoff berth are up for grabs for Asian Football Confederation sides at the expanded event in 2026.
Palestinian fans cheer during their team's World Cup qualifying match against Australia in Kuwait City on Tuesday.
SOCCER
Nov 22, 2023

Palestinians fly flags in emotional World Cup qualifier in Kuwait

Thousands of Palestinians turned out for the game against Australia, the territory's first in front of fans since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
A pyrotechnic display takes place at Lusail Stadium on Dec. 18, 2022.
SOCCER
Nov 23, 2023

Qatar still reaping benefits of World Cup one year later

The World Cup has raised Qatar's profile in the Middle East.
The Columbus Crew are seeking their third MLS title and Los Angeles FC are aiming for back-to-back championships in Saturday's MLS Cup final.
SOCCER
Dec 8, 2023

Clash of styles between Columbus and LAFC awaits in MLS Cup

The days when MLS teams had largely the same sort of approach are gone with the increase in players and coaches from around the world.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during a match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in July.
SOCCER
Dec 16, 2023

Inter Miami adds Tokyo stop to Messi tour next February

The Argentine superstar will lead Inter Miami into a match against reigning champions Vissel Kobe at the 60,000-seat National Stadium on Feb. 7.
Kaoru Mitoma in action during the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022. Mitoma's availability for the Asian Cup, which begins Friday, is uncertain due to an injury.
SOCCER
Jan 11, 2024

Samurai Blue the favorites as Asian Cup kicks off

Samurai Blue manager Hajime Moriyasu's team has enjoyed a strong year since, losing only once in 12 matches and winning 4-1 in Germany in a friendly.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi controls the ball during practice at Florida Blue Training Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday.
SOCCER
Jan 16, 2024

Messi named FIFA player of 2023; Spain's Bonmati wins women's award

Messi, 36, voted the best player by national teams coaches, captains, journalists and fans, helped Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Iran's Mehdi Taremi celebrates after scoring against Syria during their Asian Cup match in Doha on Wednesday.
SOCCER
Feb 1, 2024

Iran promises to be 'more united' against Japan in Asian Cup quarterfinals

Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi said he saw Iran being dragged through extra time and penalties will make the team stronger for its match with Japan.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the World Cup final on July 19, 2026.
SOCCER
Feb 5, 2024

New Jersey selected to host 2026 FIFA World Cup final

The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, FIFA announced on Sunday.
Lionel Messi sits on the bench during Inter Milan's friendly against Hong Kong XI in Hong Kong on Sunday.
SOCCER
Feb 5, 2024

Lionel Messi and David Beckham booed after Argentine star sits out Hong Kong friendly

The Hong Kong government said organizers owed fans an explanation after the match.
Japan's Hiroki Ito stands on the pitch with his teammates after their loss against Iran in the Asian Cup quarterfinals in Doha on Saturday.
SOCCER
Feb 5, 2024

Japan's Asian Cup exit raises questions ahead of World Cup qualifiers in North Korea

Former Japan star Keisuke Honda, who was part of the team that won the Asian Cup in 2011, said the country's soccer needed "innovative change."
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo on Tuesday, a day before his team faces Vissel Kobe in a friendly match.
SOCCER
Feb 6, 2024

Messi says leg 'getting better' but could miss Japan match

Inter Miami are set to face Japanese champions Vissel Kobe at Tokyo's National Stadium on Wednesday.

Longform

A small shrine perched atop rocks braves the waves hitting the shoreline during a storm in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. The area is under threat of a possible 31-meter-high tsunami if an earthquake strikes the nearby Nankai Trough.
If the 'Big One' hits, this city could face a 31-meter-high tsunami