JAPAN fans have been hailed as the “best in the game” after performing their trademark gesture after the draw with the Netherlands.
Daichi Kamada scored a dramatic 89th-minute equaliser to prevent an opening game defeat for the East Asian nation.
Japan had to battle for their point in Group F as they twice fell behind against the Netherlands.
Virgil van Dijk scored the opener before Keito Nakamura lashed home an equaliser.
West Ham‘s Crysensio Summerville re-established the Dutch side’s lead before Kamada’s goal.
The second equaliser sent the Japan fans wild but they did not get carried away and still made their usual gesture after the full-time whistle.
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The supporters in the stands could be seen cleaning up after themselves after the game.
They came prepared with blue bin bags and went up and down the stands collecting the rubbish.
The gesture has become synonymous with the Japanese fans who did the same throughout the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Footage of the moment was shared on social media and fellow fans were quick to sing their praises.
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One posted: “Best fans in the game. So happy they’re in my home city.”
A second commented: “Love the Japanese culture. So respectful, mature, and considerate.”
A third commented: “Respect to the brilliant Japanese fans. They always do this when they travel abroad.”
A fourth said: “A small gesture but it shows the pride the Japanese people carry with them everywhere.”
New World Cup 2026 rules
FIFA confirmed several new rules coming into play for the World Cup 2026.
They are:
- Outfield players cannot go to technical areas while goalkeeper getting treatment
- Five-second countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins
- Ten-second substitutions – or else one-minute sub entry delay
- One minute off field after outfield players get treatment
- Three-minute hydration breaks in each half
- VAR can intervene over fouls before ball in play for goals, penalties and disciplinary sanctions
- VAR can correct wrongly-awarded yellow cards and corners
- Red cards for covering mouth in confrontational talk
- Red cards for walking off pitch in protest
Another added: “The Japanese are a class act.”
The draw for Japan came just days after star and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo suddenly retired from international duty.
He had been due to captain the team at the tournament but did not recover from a broken foot in time.
Endo, 33, made the decision to withdraw from the World Cup and retire from international football altogether.
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