Kashima rout Newcastle Jets 7-1 in ACL opener
Kashima Antlers opened their AFC Champions League Elite campaign with a 7-1 home rout of Newcastle Jets. Cavric produced a hat-trick, Homare Tokuda added two goals and Kyosuke Tagawa also scored after coming on, as Kashima dominated across both halves. Newcastle’s lone reply came late and did not change the outcome (Kashima, attendance 5,761).
Source: J.LEAGUE
Gamba Osaka win 4-1 in ACL opener
Gamba Osaka got off to a winning start in the ACL league stage, beating Cong An Ha Noi 4-1 at home. Takashi Usami struck twice (29′, 67′), Yusei Toshinoda headed in the second-half opener (58′) and Kohshiro Sumi added a late insurance goal at 90+3. The result gave Gamba a confident opening in Suita (attendance 8,800).
Source: J.LEAGUE
Kyoto fall 0-1 away in ACL opener
Kyoto Sanga F.C. travelled to Daejeon Hana Citizen for their ACL Elite opener and suffered a 0-1 defeat after Bobsin’s second-half strike in the 78th minute. Kyoto created chances but could not find the finish, leaving them to start their Asian campaign with a loss.
Source: J.LEAGUE
FC Tokyo confirm defender Hashimoto injured
FC Tokyo announced on September 15 that defender Kento Hashimoto is injured. Hashimoto sustained the injury in the club’s September 6 match against Kyoto and has been diagnosed with a fracture of the right fibular shaft. The club says he will undergo treatment and rehabilitation, with a return date to be announced later.
Source: J.LEAGUE
Vissel Kobe’s Seguchi joins FC Košice on loan
Vissel Kobe have announced that midfielder Taiga Seguchi will join Slovak side FC Košice on loan until June 14, 2027. Seguchi had not featured in J1 league action so far this season; the club quoted him saying he sees the move as an opportunity to develop through playing time in Europe.
Source: J.LEAGUE
J.League announces format for 2026/27 J Youth Cup
J.League has released the outline for the 2026/27 J Youth Cup (33rd edition). A total of 64 teams — the J1, J2 and J3 clubs’ youth sides plus qualifying entrants — will compete in group stages (1st and 2nd rounds) followed by a knockout phase. The tournament is scheduled from October 2, 2026 to June 13, 2027 and is designed to provide match opportunities for young players.
Source: J.LEAGUE