Returning Kagawa the latest former Europe-based star back in Japan8dGabriel TanMatthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images
JapanSOCCERKagawa can be proud of his time in Europe -- even if it was a tale of two halves8dGabriel TanAFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES
JapanSOCCEREx-Dortmund, Man Utd star Kagawa returns to Japan8dReutersNico Vereecken / Photo News via Getty Images
Which of Asia's World Cup contenders are best placed to go far in 2026?2MGabriel TanJames Williamson - AMA/Getty Images
With Asia making their mark with some magical moments, 2026 now cannot come soon enough2MGabriel TanMarc Atkins/Getty Images
JapanSOCCERAmid heartbreak, Japan will learn that brute force is sometimes required to break down a wall2MGabriel TanAP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko
JapanSOCCERResilience, not veteran stars, the key to Croatia beating Japan2MGabriele MarcottiPawel Andrachiewicz/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images
JapanSOCCERWhy Japan can be proud of World Cup campaign despite Croatia defeat2M1:05Why Japan can be proud of World Cup campaign despite Croatia defeat
Heartbreak for Japan as Croatia win on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals2MSam BordenAlex Grimm/Getty Images