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Wataru Endo helped Japan complete the second round of World Cup qualifying with six wins from six as Takumi Minamino scored in a 5-0 rout of Syria.
It was the perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign for Japan, who finished the second round with 100 percent on Tuesday.
After victories over Myanmar (twice 5-0), Syria (5-0), North Korea (1-0 and 3-0 after defeat), they host Syria in Hiroshima hoping to make it six wins from six.
They did just that, with a comprehensive victory over an admittedly lowly side that saw Liverpool midfielder Endo start as captain and play 62 minutes.
Goals from Ayase Ueda, Ritsu Doan and an own goal from Thaer Krouma put Japan 3-0 up before the half-hour mark, with Endo breaking the deadlock to put his side ahead for the opener.
Yuki Soma made it 4-0 after the break from the penalty spot, before ex-Liverpool striker Minamino rounded off the victory.
It meant Japan finished the second round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers in Group B with 18 points – and nine points ahead of second-placed North Korea.
They will now be drawn into one of three groups, with 10 more qualifiers to play before the top two from each group progress to the tournament itself.
Their second round finish means they also qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup which, if still at the club, would see Endo out of action for Liverpool midway through the 2026/27 season.
Endo, who was an unused substitute last time out against Myanmar, made his 62nd appearance for Japan and 15th since being named captain.
He will now go on a post-season break before joining his Liverpool team-mates for the first day of pre-season.
Mohamed Salah is also among those expected in Arne Slott’s first team at the AXA Training Centre, along with Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Stefan Bajčetić and Fabio Carvalho.
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