J2/J3 100 Year Vision League: Fukushima Utd Hosts Consadole Sapporo in a Test Against J1 Aspirants
Fukushima United FC will host Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in an upcoming Meiji Yasuda J2/J3 100 Year Vision League fixture. This match presents a significant challenge for the struggling Fukushima United as they face an in-form Consadole Sapporo, offering a chance to gauge the gap between the two sides.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This match is part of the Meiji Yasuda J2/J3 100 Year Vision League. Historically, these two teams have played in different league tiers, with Fukushima United FC primarily in J3 and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo mostly in J1. However, with Consadole Sapporo's relegation to the J2 League following the 2024 season and Fukushima United FC's participation in the J2 League for the 2026 season, they now face each other in the same league tier. For Fukushima United, this home game is a crucial opportunity to prove their capability in a higher-tier league. For Consadole Sapporo, who aim to return to J1, every victory in the J2 League is vital as they seek to accumulate points for promotion.
Recent Form
Fukushima United FC has been in very poor form recently in the J2/J3 100 Year Vision League, holding a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses as of early May, placing them 9th out of 40 teams. Their last five official matches include a 4-2 home win against Jubilo Iwata, a penalty shootout win against Fujieda MYFC, a 1-2 home loss to Omiya Ardija, a 3-1 away win against Nagano Parceiro, and a 0-1 home loss to Ventforet Kofu. In stark contrast, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo is in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches. These include a 4-3 victory over RB Omiya Ardija, a 3-0 win against FC Gifu, a 2-1 win over Fujieda MYFC, a 2-1 win against Iwaki FC, and a 2-1 win against Matsumoto Yamaga. Notably, Consadole Sapporo suffered a 0-2 loss to Fukushima United on April 3rd, adding an interesting dynamic to this upcoming fixture.
Key Players & Injury News
For Fukushima United FC, the legendary veteran player Kazuyoshi Miura (King Kazu) remains a notable presence in their 2026 squad and will be a focal point on the pitch. Other key players include forward Kazumasa Shimizu and midfielder Yuki Okada. In terms of injuries, defender Naoki Suzu is sidelined with an acromioclavicular joint dislocation and is expected to return around June 25, ruling him out for this match. Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, however, is dealing with several key injuries. Midfield maestro Supachok Sarachart has been out for two matches due to a knee medial ligament tear. Furthermore, Yamato Okada (defender), Mário Sérgio (forward), Toya Nakamura (defender), Niki Urakami (defender), Mizuki Uchida (defender), Yosei Sato (forward), and Akito Fukumori (defender) are also on the injury list, which will significantly impact the team's strength. Despite these absences, Consadole Sapporo still boasts talented midfielders like Ryota Aoki and Takuma Arano to lead the team.