Japan vs Iceland
New National Stadium
D. Kos
2026
Match Report
Japan edged Iceland 1-0 in Tokyo on Sunday, with substitute Koki Ogawa breaking the deadlock in the 87th minute to cap a disciplined World Cup warm-up at the National Stadium.
The hosts dominated possession but faced a resolute defensive block, with Hákon Valdimarsson keeping out Ao Tanaka from distance before half-time. Japan lost Maya Yoshida to injury inside 15 minutes, Hiroki Ito stepping in, while Kristian Hlynsson picked up a yellow card for a reckless foul. Ogawa, introduced at the break for Ayase Ueda, eventually broke Iceland's resistance with a clinical finish from the centre of the box.
The victory hands Japan a timely confidence boost heading into the World Cup, where they arrive with an unbeaten qualifying campaign behind them. For Iceland, who missed out on the tournament altogether, the narrow defeat underlined the work still needed ahead of the next cycle.
Match Events
14'
33'
46'
46'
72'
73'
76'
82'
83'
87'
90+2'
14'
33'
46'
46'
76'
82'
87'
90+2'
Statistics
55%Possession45%
15Shots8
7Shots on Target2
5Corners1
11Fouls9
2Offsides0
0Yellow Cards2
581Passes481
2Saves7
Head to Head
3
Japan wins
0
Draws
0
Iceland wins
Goals: 7 - 3

