The effort is separate from SoftBank’s much better-known Vision Fund, the $100 billion giant that has made large bets on industries from ri...

Barring group winner Belgium’s route to the last eight this time is Japan; they meet Monday in Rostov-on-Don.

The Asians need a draw to advance to the knockout rounds after they beat Colombia and drew with Senegal in their opening Group H games, def...

Liverpool star Sadio Mane will again captain the Senegal side and he will be partnered by Ismaila Sarr and Mbaye Niang in a three-pronged a...

SOCCER-ITALY-MIL/HONDA:Soccer-Honda confirms AC Milan exit after difficult campaign

Juventus moved four points clear of second-placed Roma, which last Sunday handed the Bianconeri their first Serie A loss since January.

SOCCER-ITALY:Lapadula spares Milan's blushes after Niang misses penalty

SOCCER-ITALY/:Soccer-Lapadula spares Milan's blushes after Niang misses penalty

SOCCER-WORLDCUP-JPN:Halilhodzic safe after Japan draw in Australia

SOCCER-WORLDCUP-JPN/ (PIX):Soccer-Halilhodzic safe after Japan draw in Australia

SOCCER-WORLDCUP-AUS-JPN:Japan hold Australia in lively qualifying match

SOCCER-WORLDCUP-AUS-JPN/ (UPDATE 1, PIX):UPDATE 1-Soccer-Japan hold Australia in lively qualifying match

SOCCER-ITALY:Not much love from Milan fans during tough times, says Honda

SOCCER-ITALY/:Soccer-Not much love from Milan fans during tough times, says Honda

SOCCER-WORLD/JAPAN:Soccer-Japan's Honda demands young players step up for Thailand

The running joke is that Premier League clubs have more fans in Asia—or just Thailand—than in England. Yet, on the international stage.

It was a rare feel-good story connected to the country and the most memorable event in another busy year for Asian football.