Whatever happened to Japan's 2002 World Cup stars who formed the first wave to Europe?

With the retirement of Shinji Ono, only one member from Japan's star-studded 2002 World Cup squad remains active -- but whatever happened to them?

Shinji Ono might have gone quietly into the night but his genius will linger long in the memory

Shinji Ono called time on his storied career amid minimal fanfare at the age of 44 but his genius will linger for those who witnessed him at his peak.

Once the scapegoat for Malaysia's failings, Darren Lok is finally feeling the love in more ways than one

Once unfairly regarded as the villain of Malaysian football, Darren Lok is finally feeling the love. And in more ways than one.

The Socceroos are caught between two generations

The Socceroos' road to the 2026 World Cup may have begun, but coach Graham Arnold is walking a tightrope of picking veteran stars and players for the future.

Suphanat reaping rewards of Europe move after inspiring Thailand to crucial WCQ win

After a match-winning display in the World Cup qualifiers, Thailand starlet Suphanat Mueanta looks to be reaping the rewards of his recent move to Belgium.

Crucial but contrasting opening wins in World Cup qualifiers have Malaysia dreaming

After opening their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with consecutive wins, Malaysia fans could be forgiven for being in dreamland at the moment.

Stimac outburst, harsh Qatar lesson, a set squad: Takeaways from India's last competitive match before the Asian Cup

India lost 0-3 to Qatar in their last competitive match ahead of the Asian Cup as domestic football resumes.

Son scores 2 as S. Korea beat China in qualifier

Son Heung-Min scored twice and set up the third as South Korea handed China a 3-0 defeat in Shenzhen on Tuesday to complete back-to-back wins at the start of their challenge for a place at the 2026 World Cup finals.

Singapore spirited but decade of despair against Thailand continues with WCQ defeat

Over a decade of disappointing results against regional rivals Thailand continued for Singapore on Tuesday -- even despite a spirited showing from them.

FIFA World Cup qualifier: Qatar stroll past India 3-0

Qatar beat India 3-0 in Bhubaneswar as they top group after matchday 2 in the first stage of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying.

India are a team, Qatar better believe it

Bhubaneswar is ready to fill the Kalinga Stadium entirely with a sold-out crowd - This is a team worth watching, not just a group of good players.

India vs Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifier: Can confident hosts upset mighty Asian Champions?

India will be full of confidence after an impressive 1-0 away win in Kuwait.

Malaysia pull off stunning fightback, Lee Kang-in unleashed in Asian WC qualifiers

With the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup getting underway on Thursday, here are five key takeaways from the action.

Defensive solidity, quality passing: the making of India's FIFA WC qualifier win vs Kuwait

Goals flow as Asia's top nations make winning start to World Cup qualifying

There were few surprises as Asia's dominant teams notched victories handedly in Thursday's World Cup qualifiers.

Manvir winner gives India bright start to World Cup qualifying campaign

Manvir Singh scored the winner as India beat Kuwait 1-0.

Graham Arnold ready to begin Australia's World Cup journey

Ahead of Australia's first qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup, Socceroos boss Graham Arnold sat down with ESPN for an exclusive interview.

Socceroos without Boyle for WCQ clash

The Socceroos will start their World Cup qualification campaign without Martin Boyle after the attacker was ruled out of their clash with Bangladesh through a knee injury.

Arnold: Volpato opting for club over Socceroos

Graham Arnold has told ESPN that dual-national Cristian Volpato "wants to just focus on his club career" ahead of the Socceroos' first match of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Record-breaker Arnold to enter Socceroos rare air

As he prepares to lead the Socceroos for a record 59th senior international, Graham Arnold insists his expectations are higher than ever.

Yengi earns Socceroos call-up, veterans dropped

Uncapped striker Kusini Yengi has earned a maiden Socceroos call-up for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine after a goal-laden switch to England.