J1 League down to the wire with three teams a chance to become final-day champions
The J1 League will crown its 2024 champions this weekend with three teams still a chance of winning it.
Who are the standouts at the halfway mark of the ACL Elite league stage?
With the ACL Elite league stage at its halfway mark, we look at the teams that have shone the brightest so far.
How close are Japan to Moriyasu's bold target of winning the World Cup?
Hajime Moriyasu has said Japan's goal is not to reach the World Cup but to win it. Are they a realistic chance?
In Ueda's absence, Ogawa issues legitimate claim as Japan's alternative spearhead
With Ayase Ueda absent, Kōki Ogawa took his chance to lead the Japan attack with both hands this past week.
Indonesia given brutal reminder of gulf in class that still exists as Japan run riot
For the first time in the third round of Asian qualifiers, Indonesia were given a reality check by Japan.
Will Yuma Suzuki be the best Japanese striker to never play for the Samurai Blue?
Yuma Suzuki's record speaks for itself yet he continues to be overlooked by Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Who do Japan turn to in order to fill massive Ayase Ueda void?
With Ayase Ueda sidelined, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu will have a huge void to fill in the upcoming Asian qualifiers.
Vissel's new two-pronged attack could deliver in pivotal final month of 2024
Vissel Kobe's switch to a two-man strike force could just reap huge rewards in the final month of their 2024 campaign.
When Tolgay met Sonny: Arslan recounts friendship with Tottenham and South Korea star (4:25)
From a sense of adventure, Arslan somehow finds himself leading Sanfrecce's title charge
Tolgay Arslan's career has been full of adventures. His latest could just see him win the J.League with Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Japan nearly masters of their own downfall but quality in reserve comes to the rescue
Japan nearly contrived to lose to Australia but had too much quality waiting in the wings to be defeated.
Amid the unpredictability of the Asian qualifiers, the only certainty is a Japan triumph
Japan continue to march on in the Asian qualifiers, this time comfortably winning a heavyweight clash with Saudi Arabia.
Flawless Japan face pivotal week in with Saudi Arabia, Australia lying in wait
Japan's march to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will meet two major hurdles in Saudi Arabia and Australia over the next week.
Vissel, Marinos off the mark as J1 League giants awaken from ACL Elite slumber
After a disappointing start, two J1 League giants are now up and running in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Zelvia's J1 League title fairy tale now under serious threat from surging Sanfrecce
The J1 League title looked Machida Zelvia's to lose. Now it could be Sanfrecce Hiroshima's to win.
ACL Elite East Zone championship tiers: Can JDT challenge big guns?
Out of the 12 East Zone teams in the AFC Champions League Elite, who are among the title contenders?
The new AFC Champions League format explained
AFC club competitions will undergo a revamp in the 2024-25 season -- so what exactly can we expect?
With blockbuster display, Japan might have found a way to fit all their A-listers into one cast
Brimming with talent, Japan may have found a way to fit all their star names in one starting XI after thrashing China.
From Samurai Blue to Singapore red: Kyoga's quest to become a Lion
Kyoga Nakamura represented Japan at a U-17 World Cup but has now set his sights on playing for Singapore.
With J.League title race blown wide open, who are the biggest threats to surprise leaders Zelvia?
With just five points now separating the top five, the J1 League title race looks set to go down to the wire.
Japan stay perfect with inspired Kokubo making them increasingly difficult to beat
Japan have emerged as a formidable outfit in the Olympic men's football tournament -- with Leo Kokubo a major factor.
Faith in youth continues to pay off as Japan march on into Olympic quarters
Despite being the only side without overage players, Japan are through to the Olympic men's football quarters with a game to spare.
In contrasting style, Japan and Iraq deliver statement wins in Olympic openers
Japan and Iraq both recorded impressive wins -- albeit in contrasting fashion -- in their Olympic openers.
How far can Asia's hopefuls go at the Olympic men's football tournament?
Asia will be represented at the Olympic men's football tournament by Japan, Uzbekistan and Iraq. How far can they go?
The Postecoglou effect: AFC's next wave of elite soccer managers
ESPN takes a look at seven managers that have made a name for themselves in the AFC, what makes them so great, and where they could go next.
Japanese J1 League Ladder
| TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vissel Kobe | 38 | 21 | 9 | 8 | +25 | 72 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 38 | 19 | 11 | 8 | +29 | 68 |
| Machida Zelvia | 38 | 19 | 9 | 10 | +20 | 66 |
| Gamba Osaka | 38 | 18 | 12 | 8 | +14 | 66 |
| Kashima Antlers | 38 | 18 | 11 | 9 | +19 | 65 |
| Tokyo Verdy 1969 | 38 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 56 |
| FC Tokyo | 38 | 15 | 9 | 14 | +2 | 54 |
| Kawasaki Frontale | 38 | 13 | 13 | 12 | +9 | 52 |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 38 | 15 | 7 | 16 | -1 | 52 |
| Cerezo Osaka | 38 | 13 | 13 | 12 | -5 | 52 |
| Nagoya Grampus | 38 | 15 | 5 | 18 | -3 | 50 |
| Avispa Fukuoka | 38 | 12 | 14 | 12 | -5 | 50 |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 38 | 12 | 12 | 14 | +4 | 48 |
| Kyoto Sanga | 38 | 12 | 11 | 15 | -12 | 47 |
| Shonan Bellmare | 38 | 12 | 9 | 17 | -5 | 45 |
| Albirex Niigata | 38 | 10 | 12 | 16 | -15 | 42 |
| Kashiwa Reysol | 38 | 9 | 14 | 15 | -12 | 41 |
| Jubilo Iwata | 38 | 10 | 8 | 20 | -21 | 38 |
| Consadole Sapporo | 38 | 9 | 10 | 19 | -23 | 37 |
| Sagan Tosu | 38 | 10 | 5 | 23 | -20 | 35 |