Japan
FIFA World Cup 2026 as it happened: Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1; Ivory Coast sneak last-minute goal past Ecuador 1-0; Netherlands and Japan in 2-all draw as Germany smash Curacao 7-1
Sweden have beat Tunisia 5-1 after the Ivory Coast claim victory in their first World Cup in 12 years against Ecuador.
- Frances Howe
Latest
‘It sucks’: Sam Kerr is still digesting Matildas’ Asian Cup heartbreak
It’s been less than three weeks since Sam Kerr and the Matildas lost the Asian Cup final to Japan – and they’re still not over it.
- Vince Rugari
Kerr set for Chelsea exit after reportedly penning deal with US club
Matildas captain Sam Kerr is set to play for the Denver Summit in the US National Women’s Soccer League next season, according to a report.
- Vince Rugari
How determined Matildas plan to seize ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’
The last time they played Japan they were humbled in a performance described as “un-Australian” but they are confident things have changed.
- Emma Kemp
Flies, bees, flowers and honey: Meet the man behind Japan’s fearsome Nadeshiko
Nils Nielsen, the zany Greenlandic-Dane in charge of Japan’s women’s national team, is sometimes blown away by what he sees from his players in training and during games.
- Vince Rugari
The Australian out to ruin the Matildas’ Cup redemption
Ex-Matilda Leah Blayney is assistant coach of Japan, the nation tipped to strip Australia of a home tournament win at the Asian Cup next month.
- Frances Howe
Socceroos v Japan as it happened: Australia are almost off to the World Cup after heroic victory
A win for the Socceroos tonight will all but seal their spot at the 2026 World Cup, but they face a formidable opponent in Japan. Follow all the action.
- Jonathan Drennan and Vince Rugari
It’s true – Ange Postecoglou always wins trophies in his second season. This is his record
The Tottenham coach heaped pressure on himself by bullishly pointing out his record of winning silverware in his second season in a job. Can he keep the streak alive in next week’s Europa League final?
- Vince Rugari
- Analysis
- FIFA World Cup
One last push, and the Socceroos can book their spot at the 2026 World Cup
The equation is simple for Australia after their 2-0 victory in China: win their next match and they’ll seal qualification for next year’s tournament.
- Vince Rugari
Miserable Cup opener for Matildas as they suffer 4-0 defeat by Japan
Australia suffered their heaviest loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup in Houston on Friday morning (Australia time).
- Frances Howe