Japan scores against Iceland while opponents struggle with new substitution rule
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 12:36 PM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
Japan scored a late goal in an international friendly against Iceland, securing a 1-0 win. The match highlighted Japan's advantage due to a new time-limited substitution rule, as Iceland was unable to replace a player in time, leaving them with 10 players on the pitch. Koki Ogawa netted the decisive goal in the 87th minute, just under two minutes after Iceland's Isak Thorvaldsson was prevented from entering. Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu emphasized the need for players to adapt to the revised rules and the significance of hydration breaks that allow tactical discussions. Japan's World Cup campaign begins against the Netherlands on June 14.
- •Japan defeated Iceland 1-0 in a friendly match on June 2.
- •Iceland played with 10 players due to a substitution rule violation.
- •Koki Ogawa scored the winning goal in the 87th minute.
- •Japan's World Cup opener is against the Netherlands on June 14.
- •New substitution rules were introduced for the World Cup to enhance gameplay.
- 12:36 PMYahoo Sports — Japan benefit from new World Cup substitution rule
- 12:36 PMBBC Sport — Japan benefit from new World Cup substitution rule
"Japan become one of the first beneficiaries of the new time-limited substitution rule as they score while opponents Iceland have just 10 players on the pitch.
"Japan become one of the first beneficiaries of the new time-limited substitution rule as they score while opponents Iceland have just 10 players on the pitch.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 2, 2026, 12:36 PMJapan benefit from new World Cup substitution rule
Japan become one of the first beneficiaries of the new time-limited substitution rule as they score while opponents Iceland have just 10 players on the pitch.
- BBC SportJun 2, 2026, 12:36 PMJapan benefit from new World Cup substitution rule
Japan become one of the first beneficiaries of the new time-limited substitution rule as they score while opponents Iceland have just 10 players on the pitch.
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