They signed Sasaki this winter when his Japanese team made him available, but the team had been ready for that possibility for at least a couple years, separating itself from the pack.

Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium.

TOKYO (AP) — For two days in Japan, it’s the Hanshin Tigers who have have looked like the class of the National League. In ...