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Japan

Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing turns festive after Japan’s World Cup draw with Netherlands

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Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing

Tokyo: The iconic Shibuya Crossing turned into a sea of celebration after Japan held Netherlands to a thrilling 2–2 draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Hundreds of local and international football fans gathered at the famous intersection, waving national flags, chanting slogans and celebrating Japan’s spirited performance in the Group F match.

Despite light rain, enthusiasm remained high as the area transformed into a festive scene shortly after the final whistle.

A widely shared video on social media showed fans briefly stepping onto the road during celebration, but quickly clearing the crossing when the traffic signal turned green, allowing normal traffic flow to resume.

The disciplined behavior of the crowd drew widespread praise online, with users highlighting it as an example of civic responsibility and Japanese cultural discipline.

Earlier, Japan produced a spirited late comeback to secure a 2–2 draw against Netherlands in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter.

The match, played in an intense atmosphere, saw the Netherlands start slightly stronger in the first half, with Daniel Malen creating several chances that forced key saves from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

The Dutch took the lead in the 51st minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a precise cross from Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan responded quickly, leveling the score six minutes later through a powerful strike from Keito Nakamura that left the Dutch goalkeeper helpless.

The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville finished a brilliant solo effort inside the box.

However, Japan pressed relentlessly in the closing stages and were rewarded just two minutes before full time when Daichi Kamada scored a header to make it 2–2, sparking celebrations among Japanese fans in the stadium.

Both teams earned a point each from the opening Group F fixture, with the match being widely regarded as one of the most exciting early games of the tournament.

Sweden open World Cup campaign with commanding 5–1 win over Tunisia

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Sweden

Sweden: Sweden delivered a dominant performance in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, defeating Tunisia 5–1 in a Group F match played in Monterrey.

Sweden took control early, with Yasin Ayari capitalizing on a defensive error in the 7th minute to give his side the lead. Alexander Isak doubled the advantage in the 30th minute, finishing a precise assist from Viktor Gyökeres.

Tunisia pulled one back before halftime through a header from Omar Rekik, briefly reducing the deficit and keeping the contest alive.

However, Sweden regained full control in the second half, adding two more goals in the 59th and 84th minutes to extend their dominance.

Substitute Swedberg made history by scoring just 12 seconds after coming on, setting a record for the fastest substitute goal in World Cup history.

In stoppage time, Ayari struck again to complete his brace and seal a convincing opening win, sending Sweden to the top of Group F standings.

Japan stage late comeback to hold Netherlands to 2–2 draw in World Cup thriller

Japan produced a spirited late comeback to secure a 2–2 draw against Netherlands in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter.

The match, played in an intense atmosphere, saw the Netherlands start slightly stronger in the first half, with Daniel Malen creating several chances that forced key saves from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

The Dutch took the lead in the 51st minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a precise cross from Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan responded quickly, leveling the score six minutes later through a powerful strike from Keito Nakamura that left the Dutch goalkeeper helpless.

The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville finished a brilliant solo effort inside the box.

However, Japan pressed relentlessly in the closing stages and were rewarded just two minutes before full time when Daichi Kamada scored a header to make it 2–2, sparking celebrations among Japanese fans in the stadium.

Both teams earned a point each from the opening Group F fixture, with the match being widely regarded as one of the most exciting early games of the tournament.

Late Amad Diallo strike gives Ivory Coast 1–0 win over Ecuador in World Cup thriller

Ivory Coast secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Ecuador in a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E clash, thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Amad Diallo.

The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when the Manchester United winger finished a swift attacking move with a composed left-foot strike into the corner of the net, sending the stadium into celebration.

The goal was set up following a powerful run from Wilfried Singo, who delivered a precise pass that allowed Diallo to complete the match-winning finish.

The defeat proved particularly painful for Ecuador, ending their 19-match unbeaten run that had lasted nearly two years.

Throughout the match, Ecuador created several clear chances, hitting the crossbar three times through attempts from John Yeboah and Alan Minda in the first half, while experienced striker Enner Valencia also came close after the break.

Ivory Coast also threatened on multiple occasions, with Nice forward Evann Guessand striking the crossbar as well.

Despite Ecuador’s defensive discipline for most of the match, Ivory Coast’s persistence paid off in the dying moments to secure a crucial Group E victory and strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

Trump urges China, Japan to help secure Strait of Hormuz

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Trump urges China

US President Donald Trump has once again called on China, Japan and other countries to help ensure the reopening and security of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

Speaking at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Trump said US forces were rapidly dismantling Iran’s defense systems and had sunk boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that only about one percent of US oil shipments pass through the strait, while a much larger share of oil for countries like China and Japan travels through the strategic waterway.

Trump said around 90 percent of China’s oil imports and 95 percent of Japan’s oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, along with about 35 percent of South Korea’s oil, urging these countries to send naval fleets to help secure the route.

The US president claimed that Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks had dropped by about 90 percent, adding that more than 100 Iranian naval vessels had been destroyed and the country’s naval forces severely weakened. He said over 7,000 commercial and military targets had been struck in Iran.

Trump also stated that US forces had destroyed 30 vessels allegedly used to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, though he acknowledged it could not be confirmed with certainty whether Iran had actually laid mines there.

He further claimed that Iran’s naval and air defenses had been effectively neutralized, including the destruction of multiple military targets on Kharg Island. However, he added that Iranian oil facilities had not yet been targeted, though “all options remain open.”

Trump criticized some countries for not showing enough enthusiasm in assisting US efforts in the strait, saying the United States had protected many of them from external threats for decades.

The US president also said Iran had expressed interest in negotiations but that Washington was not ready for talks at the moment. He added that Iran’s nuclear program had suffered a “decisive blow” through an operation he referred to as “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

Trump also claimed that he had warned about Osama bin Laden before the September 11 attacks, suggesting the tragedy might have been prevented if his warnings had been heeded.

Pakistan qualify for hockey world cup after eight years

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Pakistan qualify for

The Pakistan men’s national field hockey team has qualified for the Hockey World Cup after eight years by defeating Japan men’s national field hockey team 4–3 in a thrilling semifinal of the qualifiers being played in Egypt.

Pakistan secured the dramatic victory thanks to goalkeeper Ali Raza, who made a crucial save by stopping a penalty stroke late in the match.

Japan was awarded the penalty stroke just four minutes before the end of the match, but Ali Raza’s decisive save helped Pakistan hold on to the lead and secure an important win.

For Pakistan, goals were scored by Sufyan Khan, Abu Muhammad, Muhammad Imad and Afraz.

By winning the semifinal of the qualifiers, Pakistan have booked their place in the Hockey World Cup after an eight-year gap. The national team last played in the tournament in 2018 and failed to qualify for the most recent edition.

The Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 14 to August 30, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by Belgium and Netherlands

Pakistan, Japan sign agreement to improve child healthcare in South Punjab

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Pakistan

Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan and Japan have signed a grant agreement aimed at enhancing child healthcare services, particularly in southern Punjab.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Japanese government will provide financial assistance for improving pediatric healthcare in the region.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will extend a grant of 2.91 billion Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately USD 18.62 million.

Under the project, the Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health (ICH) Multan will be upgraded to strengthen medical facilities. ICH Multan, the largest tertiary care children’s hospital in the region, will receive improved healthcare infrastructure to ensure more effective and quality services for children.

The Exchange of Notes was signed on behalf of Pakistan by Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Hamir Karim, while Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi signed on behalf of the Government of Japan.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Muhammad Hamir Karim expressed appreciation for the valuable support of the Japanese government and people, assuring full facilitation to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

 He added that Pakistan looks forward to further strengthening meaningful cooperation between the two countries.

Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to close collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of deepening friendly relations and bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

Tensions rise between China and Japan over air force exercises

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Tensions rise

TOKYO: Tensions between China and Japan have escalated following Chinese air force exercises near Japan’s Okinawa islands.

Reuters reports that Japan claimed Chinese aircraft targeted Japanese fighter jets with radar during two dangerous incidents, a charge that China has denied.

Japanese Prime Minister Sani Takachi described the radar targeting as “a dangerous act that exceeded the necessary limits for safe flight” and confirmed that Japan has formally protested the incidents with China.

China, in turn, warned Japan to cease what it called “defamation and slander,” asserting that Japanese aircraft had interfered with Chinese naval vessels conducting training east of the Miyako Strait. Both sides have issued stern statements, highlighting rising tensions in the region.

Prime Minister Takachi warned that any further violations will come at a “high price,” emphasizing Japan’s commitment to safeguarding its airspace.