Strengthening ties with Japan: A relationship built on respect and history
England’s match against Japan this week was more than an international fixture - it was a celebration of a relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared history. In 1919, the British Ambassador asked The FA to commission a silver cup to be presented to the winners of the Japanese national championship, which would symbolise warm bilateral relations between the two countries. The Japan Football Association was born, and the competition continues to this day in the form of the Emperor’s Cup.
And football fans in Japan will have had the opportunity to see their beloved Emperor’s Cup trophy displayed next to the Emirates FA Cup trophy, as the latter tours Japan this month. The trophies were on display together on match day, to celebrate the relationship between the JFA and The FA, and to promote the men’s national team fixture at Wembley.
And meanwhile, at Wembley, colleagues from both sides made the most of their time together, holding knowledge-sharing and best practice exchanges. In the lead up to the game, FA and JFA colleagues met to discuss key areas such as women’s football, match operations, and partnerships. And in the Wembley Suite, FA Chair Debbie Hewitt extended a particularly warm welcome to Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, the President of the Japan FA, and his colleagues, taking the opportunity to reflect on the rich history and lasting bonds between the two nations.
Also present was Japan’s Ambassador to the UK, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki, who brought his famous Paddington Bear, to make the most of the match!
Welcoming Uruguay: 60th anniversary
A few days earlier, England also had the pleasure of hosting Uruguay at Wembley, on a historic night marking 60 years since the opening match of the FIFA World Cup in 1966, featuring England and Uruguay. Debbie Hewitt welcomed the President of the Uruguayan Football Association (UAF), Ignacio Alonso, and UAF General Secretary, Victoria Díaz, along with their delegation. The game was also attended by the Uruguayan Ambassador to the UK, Ambassador Luis Bermúdez, further symbolising the connection between the two countries.
As well as marking a little piece of history, this encounter also served as an opportunity for all representatives to connect ahead of the busy summer that awaits both National Associations, as their Senior Men’s teams head to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
