Japan prepare to host China in FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier

Chinese footballers participate in a training session ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier in Saitama, Japan, September 4, 2024. /CFP

In international football, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu is looking forward to the returns of Junya Ito and Kaoru Mitoma ahead of welcoming China to Saitama as the third stage of Asian World Cup qualifying gets underway.

Japan are aiming for an eighth conse