Machida win 2-0 in ACL Two
On September 17, 2026, FC Machida Zelvia opened their AFC Champions League Two campaign with a 2-0 home win over PKR Svaiv at Machida City Athletic Stadium. Mitchell Duke broke the deadlock in the 20th minute and Tete Iyengi added a second in the 61st. The match was played in clear conditions (22.2°C) before 2,753 fans. Coach Tsuyoshi Kuroda used rotation and young players, and Machida now prepare to face Kashiwa Reysol in the league after two days’ rest.
Source: J.LEAGUE公式サイト
Kanya Fujimoto joins Tokyo Verdy on loan
On September 17, 2026, Tokyo Verdy announced the loan signing of midfielder Kanya Fujimoto (27) from Birmingham. The loan runs until June 30, 2027. Fujimoto said he is pleased to return and is looking forward to contributing. Tokyo Verdy have yet to win in seven league matches this season, so the club expects the signing to bolster the midfield as they seek to improve results.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Tomoki Hayakawa called up to Japan
On September 17, 2026, the Japan Football Association announced a 31-player squad for the KIRIN Challenge Cup and KIRIN Cup, and Kashima Antlers goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa was included. Japan will play Uruguay on September 24 and Venezuela on September 28; Hayakawa will join the national team while remaining a key player for Kashima.
Source: J.LEAGUE公式サイト
Kaina Tanimura earns first Japan call-up
Yokohama F. Marinos forward Kaina Tanimura received his first call-up to the Japan squad announced on September 17, 2026. The team will face Uruguay on September 24 and Venezuela on September 28. Tanimura earned the selection on the back of his goal-scoring form for the Marinos and now joins the SAMURAI BLUE for the upcoming fixtures.
Source: J.LEAGUE公式サイト
Shuto Nakano called up to Japan for first time
Shuto Nakano of Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been named in Japan’s 31-player squad announced on September 17, 2026, earning his first national team call-up. The schedule includes matches against Uruguay (September 24) and Venezuela (September 28). Nakano’s steady performances in Hiroshima’s midfield earned him the selection and the chance to gain international experience.
Source: J.LEAGUE公式サイト
Koki Kumasaka included in Japan squad
Koki Kumasaka of Kashiwa Reysol was named in Japan’s 31-player squad announced on September 17, 2026. The national team will face Uruguay on September 24 and Venezuela on September 28. Kumasaka’s selection rewards his contributions in Kashiwa’s midfield and offers him the opportunity to gain further experience while balancing club and country duties.
Source: J.LEAGUE公式サイト