Wataru Endo speaks during a news conference in Paris earlier this month.
SOCCER / World cup
Mar 20, 2025
Endo says Japan won't be satisfied just to reach World Cup
Samurai Blue have been dominant in qualifying and can book their spot at the 2026 finals if they beat Bahrain in Saitama.
Part of the Saudi Arabia World Cup bid exhibition is seen on Dec. 11, 2024, in Riyadh.
SOCCER / World cup
Feb 14, 2025
Saudi Arabia to ban alcohol at 2034 FIFA World Cup
The Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom quipped that much like Saudi Arabia's dry weather, "It's a dry country."
Fans in Saudi Arabia celebrate after the nation was confirmed as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup
SOCCER / World cup
Dec 12, 2024
Saudi Arabia awarded 2034 FIFA World Cup despite human rights concerns
FIFA also confirmed that Morocco, Spain and Portugal will be joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup, in which three games will also be played in South America.
Japan's Koki Ogawa (left) fights for the ball with Indonesia's Rizky Ridho Ramadhan during the 2026 World Cup Asian qualification soccer match at the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday.
SOCCER / World cup
Nov 16, 2024
Japan hammer Indonesia to edge closer to World Cup spot
Japan defeated a hapless Indonesia side 4-0 on Friday, extending their lead at the top of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
A stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, prior to a World Cup qualifying match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on Oct. 15.
SOCCER / World cup
Oct 30, 2024
Saudi World Cup bid's rights report 'flawed,' NGOs say
The document makes "highly selective" use of United Nations assessments and fails to consult credible external stakeholders, the groups said.
Japan's Koki Ogawa shoots at the Bahrain goal during a World Cup qualifying match in Riffa, Bahrain, on Tuesday.
SOCCER / World cup
Sep 11, 2024
Japan coach slams Bahrain fans after World Cup qualifying rout
Japan won 5-0 in Manama to continue their impressive start to the Asian qualifying third round, following last week's 7-0 home thrashing of China.
Samurai Blue players celebrate after Wataru Endo's opening goal of the team's World Cup qualifying win over China on Thursday in Saitama.
SOCCER / World cup
Sep 6, 2024
Japan hammers China as next round of World Cup qualifying begins
Japan was in blistering form as Samurai Blue handed out an embarrassing defeat to an out-classed China.

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