Transfer deadlines are hitting across the globe and, with it, bringing to an end a window that has seen a remarkable surge in interest in players who represented the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup.
Japan wingback Yukinari Sugawara has reiterated that his team are at the World Cup not just to participate, but to win it.
Socceroos bolter Tete Yengi says his journey to the national team has not been straightforward, but he believes these adventures have played a key role in his pursuit of becoming the "ultimate player" and, more importantly, a World Cup representative.
Even with a couple of key players out through injury, Japan could still be the most exciting team at the 2026 World Cup.
Tolgay Arslan has announced his retirement -- perhaps ending it all after a final sense of fulfilment at Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
After a disappointing World Cup debut last time out, 2026 could just be Takefusa Kubo's time to shine for Japan.
Hiroki Sakai's decision to join Auckland FC has now led to him becoming an A-League Men championship-winning captain.
Al Ahli have successfully defended their AFC Champions League Elite crown with a 1-0 victory over Machida Zelvia.
After 30 years coaching high school football, Go Kuroda has now reached the biggest stage of all in Asian club football.
Machida Zelvia are through to the ACL Elite final but only after a wild, controversial finish to their win over Shabab Al Ahli.
After their semifinal exit from the AFC Champions League Elite, Vissel Kobe's despair was undeniable at the final whistle.
Al Ahli are through to a second consecutive AFC Champions League Elite final after coming from behind to beat Vissel Kobe 2-1.
Ahead of their semifinal against Shabab Al Ahli, Machida Zelvia continue to dream of winning the AFC Champions League Elite on debut.
Vissel Kobe's Gōtoku Sakai has called on his team to show courage against a star-studded Al Ahli outfit.
A Vissel-Machida final would be the first contested by two teams from the same country in the AFC Champions League era.
As Jeddah's dream ACL Elite final evaporated on Friday evening, Machida's fairytale debut continued into the semifinals.
An Asian champion in 2018, Gen Shoji is gunning for more glory with AFC Champions League Elite debutants Machida Zelvia.
Vissel Kobe have prevailed in a thriller against Al Sadd to reach the semifinals of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Amid the expected dominance from the West in the AFC Champions League Elite, Vissel Kobe could just fly the flag for the East.
There are many paths Shunki Higashi's career could go next. He isn't too worried about thinking what it might be.
After becoming the first Asian side to defeat England, what does the result mean for Japan's World Cup prospects?
Only in his second season as a professional, Sanfrecce Hiroshima's Sōta Nakamura could just be the J.League's next breakout star.
Even with a new coach at the helm, Sanfrecce Hiroshima look like they will challenge for top honours again in the J1 League this season.
JDT were given a villain's reception but survived the hostile treatment -- and a late scare -- to make history in the ACL Elite.
Sanfrecce coach Bartosch Gaul was bemused that a trio of suspended JDT players were initially cleared to feature in last week's meeting between the two teams.
| TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machida Zelvia | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | +11 | 13 |
| Kashiwa Reysol | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | +4 | 12 |
| Kashima Antlers | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | +3 | 12 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | +9 | 11 |
| Vissel Kobe | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | +3 | 10 |
| Mito Hollyhock | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | +3 | 9 |
| Cerezo Osaka | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 9 |
| FC Tokyo | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 8 |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Fagiano Okayama | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Kawasaki Frontale | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
| Gamba Osaka | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | -1 | 6 |
| Nagoya Grampus | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -2 | 6 |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -4 | 6 |
| Kyoto Sanga | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -2 | 5 |
| Avispa Fukuoka | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -1 | 4 |
| Shimizu S-Pulse | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 4 |
| V-Varen Nagasaki | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -5 | 4 |
| Tokyo Verdy 1969 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -6 | 2 |
| JEF United Ichihara-Chiba | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | -12 | 0 |
