FIFA WC 2026 Qualifiers Roundup: Who won the trending Syria vs Japan clash?

Japan defeated Syria by 5-0 at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier fixture on Tuesday. Ayase Ueda, Ritsu Duan, Yuki Soma, and Takumi Minamino netted once each for Japan, whereas Syrian centre-back Thaer Krouma scored an own goal to contribute to the final result.

Ueda opened the scoring in the 13th minute, whereas Duan doubled the lead six minutes later. Soma converted a spot-kick in the 73rd minute and Minamino finished the proceedings with a goal five minutes before the final whistle. Krouma, who plays for the Indian club Mumbai City FC, complicated stuff for Syria with an own goal 21 minutes into the match.

Japan adopted a 3-4-2-1 approach with Ueda leading the frontline, and Kubo along with Minamino supporting him from attacking midfield positions.

Syria went into the game with the traditional 4-4-2 approach, with O. Al Soma and T. A. Cervera Cadi being their two strikers for the encounter. Krouma began the game at the heart of the backline, but was one of the reasons behind Syria conceding too much ground too early into the game against the Japanese heavyweights.

Krouma joined Mumbai City FC in the January transfer window of the 2023-24 season. He was a crucial part of the team that won the ISL Cup by defeating the Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in April.