Japan played their first match of FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday (Jun 14) against Netherlands at Dallas Stadium in the USA and earned a miraculous 2-2 draw. While the players won the hearts of their supports, the fans also did their part and cleaned the stadium afterwards in a respectful gesture to the host country. Japan fans have been known to clean their seating area after the matches at the events where the team participates and the FIFA World Cup 2026 is another example of their culture. FIFA also shared a video of the fans cleaning the stadium after Sunday's match in which one of the fans revealed the reason behind their gesture as well.<h2>Why do Japan fans clean stadium after matches?</h2>In a video shared by FIFA's official X handle, fans can be seen cleaning up their part of stadium area by putting the trash in the blue bags. A fan then reveals the reason for the geature and says: "That's the culture. But, it's like respect for everything, respect for the players, respect for the supporters, and also for the stadium. We are honoured to be here, so we don't want to make the mess and leave it. That's the reason why we do it." Here's the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The reason Japan fans clean the stadium after each game. Respect. 🤝🇯🇵 <a href="https://t.co/o9qJUOLefY">pic.twitter.com/o9qJUOLefY</a>&mdash; FIFA (@FIFAcom) <a href="https://x.com/FIFAcom/status/2066313474884436100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The idea captures the essence of a Japanese saying "Tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu" which literally translates to "A bird leaves nothing behind" in English. The true meaning of the saying is "returning it the way you found it."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-ronaldo-and-other-portugal-players-pay-heartfelt-tribute-to-diogo-jota-with-custom-wristband-1781500977599">FIFA 2026 | Ronaldo and other Portugal players pay heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota with custom wristband</a>The ideology gets inculcated into people since childhood in school where children clean their classrooms and hallways. Scott North, professor of sociology at Osaka University, explained to the BBC in 2018: "With constant reminders throughout childhood, these behaviours become habits for much of the population."<h2>Japan schedule at FIFA World Cup 2026</h2>Japan play their second Group F match against Tunisia on June 20 at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico before facing Sweden in the last group-stage fixture on June 25 at Dallas Stadium. Japan are currently second behind Sweden in its group after a 2-2 draw against Netherlands.<h2>Where to watch Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live in India?</h2>Japan's group-stage matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 will be aired across WION's sister company Zee5 app and website

Japan fans are known to clean their sitting area in the stadium after their team's matches at the sporing events and the same was visible during their 2-2 draw against Netherlands in FIFA 2026 on Sunday (Jun 14) at Dallas Stadium in the USA.

Japan played their first match of FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday (Jun 14) against Netherlands at Dallas Stadium in the USA and earned a miraculous 2-2 draw. While the players won the hearts of their supports, the fans also did their part and cleaned the stadium afterwards in a respectful gesture to the host country. Japan fans have been known to clean their seating area after the matches at the events where the team participates and the FIFA World Cup 2026 is another example of their culture. FIFA also shared a video of the fans cleaning the stadium after Sunday's match in which one of the fans revealed the reason behind their gesture as well. Why do Japan fans clean stadium after matches? In a video shared by FIFA's official X handle, fans can be seen cleaning up their part of stadium area by putting the trash in the blue bags. A fan then reveals the reason for the geature and says: "That's the culture. But, it's like respect for everything, respect for the players, respect for the supporters, and also for the stadium. We are honoured to be here, so we don't want to make the mess and leave it. That's the reason why we do it." Here's the video below:

Japan fans are known to clean their sitting area in the stadium after their team's matches at the sporing events and the same was visible during their 2-2 draw against Netherlands in FIFA 2026 on Sunday (Jun 14) at Dallas Stadium in the USA.

FIFA 2026 | Why do Japan fans clean stadium after matches? Fan reveals reason after draw vs Netherlands - WATCH

A ruthless Japan moved to the brink of qualifying for their eighth straight World Cup after beating old rivals China 3-1 away on Tuesday.

Headers from Koki Ogawa and Ko Itakura put runaway group leaders Japan two goals up at half time before Lin Liangming pulled one back for China early in the second half.

Ogawa snuffed out China's hopes of a comeback with his second of the game six minutes later to silence the crowd of 45,000 in Xiamen.

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Loud booing greeted the Japanese national anthem before kick-off and the game was briefly stopped in the first half when a fan invaded the pitch.

"It was tough at times and we knew that the opening goal was going to be key," said Dutch-based striker Ogawa.

Japan were playing their first senior international in China in nine years and there is a long history of rivalry between the two countries.

There was a heavy police presence outside the Xiamen Egret Stadium, where about 750 Japan fans were expected to be in attendance.

"All the players got us this win today," said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.

"The players on the pitch, the players on the bench and those that weren't on the bench today -- it was down to their energy that we won."

The convincing victory gave Japan five wins and a draw in Asian qualifying Group C and took them to within touching distance of a place at the 2026 World Cup.

The top two teams in each of the three groups will reach the showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Second place in Group C is wide open after Indonesia stunned Saudi Arabia 2-0 in Jakarta with Marselino Ferdinan scoring either side of halftime.

It left Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and China all on six points ahead of the Socceroos' visit later Tuesday to Bahrain, who have five.&nbsp;

<h2>Short-lived joy</h2>

Japan made several changes to the team that beat Indonesia 4-0 on Friday with Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma and Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada among those dropping to the bench.

Ogawa opened the scoring in the 39th minute, planting a firm header past goalkeeper Wang Dalei direct from a corner.

Japan doubled their lead just before the half-time whistle and again it came from a corner.

Koki Machida flicked on Junya Ito's delivery and Itakura was unmarked at the back post to nod the ball home.

Despite being behind China gave a much-improved performance after losing 7-0 to Japan in Saitama in their opening group game.

The hosts pulled a goal back three minutes after the break.

Xie Wenneng cleverly dummied Wei Shihao's pass and Lin slotted the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

China's joy lasted just six minutes before Ogawa headed in another Ito cross to restore Japan's two-goal cushion.

Japan are home to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in their next fixtures in March, with the World Cup within grasp.

"These last two games were difficult as we expected, but it was really positive to get two wins," said Itakura.

"There are lots of things we need to improve but it was positive and we'll get ready for the next games."

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A ruthless Japan moved to the brink of qualifying for their eighth straight World Cup after beating old rivals China 3-1 away on Tuesday. Headers from Koki Ogawa and Ko Itakura put runaway group leaders Japan two goals up at half time before Lin Liangming pulled one back for China early in the second half.

A ruthless Japan moved to the brink of qualifying for their eighth straight World Cup after beating old rivals China 3-1 away on Tuesday. Headers from Koki Ogawa and Ko Itakura put runaway group leaders Japan two goals up at half time before Lin Liangming pulled one back for China early in the second half. Ogawa snuffed out China's hopes of a comeback with his second of the game six minutes later to silence the crowd of 45,000 in Xiamen. Also Read: Thomas Tuchel's England have 'tools' to win World Cup, claims Lee Carsley Loud booing greeted the Japanese national anthem before kick-off and the game was briefly stopped in the first half when a fan invaded the pitch. "It was tough at times and we knew that the opening goal was going to be key," said Dutch-based striker Ogawa. Japan were playing their first senior international in China in nine years and there is a long history of rivalry between the two countries. There was a heavy police presence outside the Xiamen Egret Stadium, where about 750 Japan fans were expected to be in attendance. "All the players got us this win today," said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu. "The players on the pitch, the players on the bench and those that weren't on the bench today -- it was down to their energy that we won." The convincing victory gave Japan five wins and a draw in Asian qualifying Group C and took them to within touching distance of a place at the 2026 World Cup. The top two teams in each of the three groups will reach the showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Second place in Group C is wide open after Indonesia stunned Saudi Arabia 2-0 in Jakarta with Marselino Ferdinan scoring either side of halftime. It left Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and China all on six points ahead of the Socceroos' visit later Tuesday to Bahrain, who have five. Short-lived joy Japan made several changes to the team that beat Indonesia 4-0 on Friday with Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma and Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada among those dropping to the bench. Ogawa opened the scoring in the 39th minute, planting a firm header past goalkeeper Wang Dalei direct from a corner. Japan doubled their lead just before the half-time whistle and again it came from a corner. Koki Machida flicked on Junya Ito's delivery and Itakura was unmarked at the back post to nod the ball home. Despite being behind China gave a much-improved performance after losing 7-0 to Japan in Saitama in their opening group game. The hosts pulled a goal back three minutes after the break. Xie Wenneng cleverly dummied Wei Shihao's pass and Lin slotted the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. China's joy lasted just six minutes before Ogawa headed in another Ito cross to restore Japan's two-goal cushion. Japan are home to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in their next fixtures in March, with the World Cup within grasp. "These last two games were difficult as we expected, but it was really positive to get two wins," said Itakura. "There are lots of things we need to improve but it was positive and we'll get ready for the next games." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Japan move closer to FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification with crushing win over China

Captain Wataru Endo has urged Japan to use the frustration of their failed Asian Cup campaign to fire them to the 2026 World Cup, starting against China on Thursday.

Japan are the continent's highest-ranked side but the favourites flopped at the Asian Cup in Qatar at the start of the year, losing to Iran in the quarter-finals.

They also made hard work of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, opening the third round with a shock home defeat to Oman and losing early on away to Saudi Arabia.

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Japan kick off the third qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup against China in Saitama and Liverpool midfielder Endo believes they have the quality to make a strong start.

"We remember losing the opening game of the World Cup qualifiers last time and we also have the frustration from the Asian Cup," said Endo, who was linked with a move away from Anfield during the summer.

"We know it's not easy, but we don't want to concentrate too much on negative things. We want to be positive."

Japan have also been drawn with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Australia in a tricky-looking Group C.

The top two are guaranteed a place at the World Cup, with the third and fourth-placed sides going into a further round of qualifying.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu welcomes back Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has not played for his country since the Asian Cup because of injury.

Moriyasu can also call on winger Junya Ito, who has not featured since he left the Asian Cup squad after a Japanese magazine published allegations that he sexually assaulted two women in a hotel in Osaka last year.

Japanese prosecutors dropped charges against the player earlier this month and he has denied any wrongdoing.

"Both of them are big weapons for the Japan team, no doubt about it," said Moriyasu.

"But it's not just their qualities in attack. They also defend well and work hard for the team."

China squeezed into the third qualifying round thanks to a superior head-to-head record over Thailand and have only reached the World Cup once, in 2002.

Their Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic acknowledged that Japan were one of the best teams in Asia but said "everything is possible".

"I think the most important thing is whether we can play the way we have been playing in training," he said.

"We need to have a brave heart in this game."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Captain Wataru Endo has urged Japan to use the frustration of their failed Asian Cup campaign to fire them to the 2026 World Cup, starting against China on Thursday.

Captain Wataru Endo has urged Japan to use the frustration of their failed Asian Cup campaign to fire them to the 2026 World Cup, starting against China on Thursday. Japan are the continent's highest-ranked side but the favourites flopped at the Asian Cup in Qatar at the start of the year, losing to Iran in the quarter-finals. They also made hard work of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, opening the third round with a shock home defeat to Oman and losing early on away to Saudi Arabia. Also Read: 'Greedy for success...,' says striker Niclas Fuellkrug about new look Germany Japan kick off the third qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup against China in Saitama and Liverpool midfielder Endo believes they have the quality to make a strong start. "We remember losing the opening game of the World Cup qualifiers last time and we also have the frustration from the Asian Cup," said Endo, who was linked with a move away from Anfield during the summer. "We know it's not easy, but we don't want to concentrate too much on negative things. We want to be positive." Japan have also been drawn with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Australia in a tricky-looking Group C. The top two are guaranteed a place at the World Cup, with the third and fourth-placed sides going into a further round of qualifying. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu welcomes back Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has not played for his country since the Asian Cup because of injury. Moriyasu can also call on winger Junya Ito, who has not featured since he left the Asian Cup squad after a Japanese magazine published allegations that he sexually assaulted two women in a hotel in Osaka last year. Japanese prosecutors dropped charges against the player earlier this month and he has denied any wrongdoing. "Both of them are big weapons for the Japan team, no doubt about it," said Moriyasu. "But it's not just their qualities in attack. They also defend well and work hard for the team." China squeezed into the third qualifying round thanks to a superior head-to-head record over Thailand and have only reached the World Cup once, in 2002. Their Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic acknowledged that Japan were one of the best teams in Asia but said "everything is possible". "I think the most important thing is whether we can play the way we have been playing in training," he said. "We need to have a brave heart in this game." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: 'We remember...,' Japan captain Endo promises to erase Asian Cup frustration

Kazuyoshi Miura will continue playing aged 56 after the former Japan international extended his loan deal with Portuguese second-division outfit Oliveirense. Oliveirense said on social media that the forward, who has made three appearances for the club after joining from Japan's Yokohama FC in February, will stay with them next season.&nbsp;Miura turned 56 in February and wants to keep playing until he is 60. "There will be times where I'm not involved in games but I want to stay motivated and do what I can where I can," the Nikkan Sports daily quoted him as saying recently.

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🇵🇹 Miura Kazu continua na UD Oliveirense 🔥 
 
🇯🇵 三浦知良選手、今シーズンも宜しくお願いします！🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UDOliveirenseNossa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UDOliveirenseNossa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NossaUni%C3%A3o?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NossaUnião</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NossaPaix%C3%A3o?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NossaPaixão</a> <a href="https://t.co/R3gJvlBARz">pic.twitter.com/R3gJvlBARz</a>
— UD Oliveirense Futebol SAD (@oliveirense_sad) <a href="https://twitter.com/oliveirense_sad/status/1678708568826998784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Known as "King&nbsp;Kazu" in his homeland, Miura made his debut in 1986 with Brazilian side Santos and has also played in Japan, Italy, Croatia and Australia. One of Asia's best-known footballers in the 1990s, he helped put the game in Japan on the map when the professional J-League was launched in 1993.

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He made his Japan debut in 1990 but was famously left out of the squad for their first World Cup finals appearance in 1998, despite scoring 55 goals in 89 games for the national side.

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Kazuyoshi Miura will continue playing aged 56 after the former Japan international extended his loan deal with Portuguese second-division outfit Oliveirense. Oliveirense said on social media that the forward, who has made three appearances for the club after joining from Japan's Yokohama FC in February, will stay with them next season.

Kazuyoshi Miura will continue playing aged 56 after the former Japan international extended his loan deal with Portuguese second-division outfit Oliveirense. Oliveirense said on social media that the forward, who has made three appearances for the club after joining from Japan's Yokohama FC in February, will stay with them next season. Miura turned 56 in February and wants to keep playing until he is 60. "There will be times where I'm not involved in games but I want to stay motivated and do what I can where I can," the Nikkan Sports daily quoted him as saying recently. 🇵🇹 Miura Kazu continua na UD Oliveirense 🔥 🇯🇵 三浦知良選手、今シーズンも宜しくお願いします！🔥#UDOliveirenseNossa #NossaUnião #NossaPaixão pic.twitter.com/R3gJvlBARz — UD Oliveirense Futebol SAD (@oliveirense_sad) July 11, 2023 × Known as "King Kazu" in his homeland, Miura made his debut in 1986 with Brazilian side Santos and has also played in Japan, Italy, Croatia and Australia. One of Asia's best-known footballers in the 1990s, he helped put the game in Japan on the map when the professional J-League was launched in 1993. Also Read: Football: Lionel Messi arrives in Florida to finalise Inter Miami move He made his Japan debut in 1990 but was famously left out of the squad for their first World Cup finals appearance in 1998, despite scoring 55 goals in 89 games for the national side. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: 'King Kazu', the 56-year-old Japanese legend, extends loan deal with Oliveirense

Japan’s average lifespan is increasing. About one-third of the country’s population is aged 65 or above. 80-year-olds are taking to football pitches, proving that age is just a number. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas |  80-year-olds in Japan play football | Is 80 the new 50 in Japan?

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FIFA 2026 | Why do Japan fans clean stadium after matches? Fan reveals reason after draw vs Netherlands - WATCH

Japan move closer to FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification with crushing win over China

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: 'We remember...,' Japan captain Endo promises to erase Asian Cup frustration

Football: 'King Kazu', the 56-year-old Japanese legend, extends loan deal with Oliveirense

Gravitas | 80-year-olds in Japan play football | Is 80 the new 50 in Japan?