FIFA and the Qatari league cited a recent game between Al Rayyan and Al Arabi that was watched by a crowd of more than 27,000, but it is not clear how representative that is. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business.

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Japan won its opening match at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Group D against Asian Cup debutantes Palestine 4–0, with goals from Yasuhito Endō, Shinji Okazaki, Keisuke Honda via a penalty and Maya Yoshida. Its last prewar match for purposes of Elo ratings was a friendly against the Philippines in June 1940. Japan made its first appearance in the Asian Cup in 1988, where they were eliminated in the group stage following a draw with Iran and losses to South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Nonetheless, Japan had come close to qualify for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, but lost to South Korea in the deciding matches.

By topping their group, Japan went on to face Croatia [82] in the round of 16 where Japan would lose 1–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. World Cup] Japan wins two come-from-behind wins in one tournament, becoming the third team in 52 years to defeat Spain and Germany to advance to finals".Main article: Japan national football team records and statistics § Head-to-head record The following table shows Japan's all-time international record, correct as of 24 January 2024. The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited.

Hong Kong was still a British colonial possession that flew its colonial-era flag and used “God Save the Queen” as its anthem when its team beat China 2-1 in front of 80,000 fans at the Worker’s Stadium in Beijing.

When Japan Professional Football League was launched in 1991, Japan have a slight lead over North Korea with 6 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses. On 14 May 2018, CONMEBOL announced that Japan, alongside Qatar, would be the two invited teams for the 2019 Copa América. JFA introduced a Special Licensed Player system in 1986, allowing a limited number of professional players to compete in the domestic semi-professional league. For the IFAF, this is a great opportunity to once again demonstrate to millions of fans and the wider Olympic and sports communities, the excitement and dynamism of Flag Football as the global development of the sport continues to accelerate at a rapid pace," said Pierre Trochet, President of the IFAF. Talking Points: Belgium 3 Japan 2 – Blue Samurai heartbreak after a miracle comeback | Daily Football Show".