Most Assists in a Single World Cup for Japan (Keisuke Honda, 3 assists in 2010)
Keisuke Honda holds Japan's single-World Cup assist record.
Keisuke Honda recorded 3 assists in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the most by a Japan player in a single tournament.
- Player
- Keisuke Honda
- Tournament
- 2010 FIFA World Cup (South Africa)
- Role
- Attacking Midfielder / Playmaker
- Affiliation
- Japan National Team
- First appears
- 2010 World Cup group stage
- Status
- Retired from international football (2018)
Lore & Background
Honda's playmaking helped Japan reach the round of 16 in 2010, where they were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties.
In Their Own Story
The South African sun beat down on the pitch in Rustenburg as Honda received the ball on the right flank. He glanced up, saw Tamada making a near-post run, and curled a pinpoint cross with his left foot. The ball arced over the Cameroonian defense, landing perfectly for Tamada to nod home. Japan erupted. Later, against Denmark, Honda stood over a free kick 30 yards out. He didn’t blast it—he floated it to the far post, where Endō volleyed in. The stadium roared. Honda’s vision had carved a path through the group stage, etching his name into Japanese football lore.
Reader's Guide
This record is based on official FIFA statistics for the 2010 World Cup.
Did You Know?
- Japan has qualified for every FIFA World Cup since 1998.
- Japan has never received a red card in a World Cup match.
- Japan has won a record four Asian Cup titles.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in the Japan National Team universe
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