Iwaki FC

Iwaki FC(いわきFC, Iwaki Efushi) is a professional football club based in Iwaki, a city in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The club competes in the J2 League, the second tier of the Japanese football league system.

History

Foundation

Iwaki FC was founded in 2012, before getting official recognition in 2013 with the creation of their homonymous corporation. The club name got more attention when Under Armour decided to support them in climbing the Japanese football pyramid from the bottom. The vision behind the club’s formation, was an intention of "making Iwaki the central football-city in Tohoku". In service of this, a new training field opened in November 2016 and the club-house was just launched in May 2017: two central structures necessary to rise to the top of Japanese football.

Fukushima Prefectural Football League (2013–2017)

Results during this period supported Iwaki FC’s rise, as they won several titles in the Fukushima Prefectural Football League, eventually joining the first division. Their next target was the Tohoku Soccer League. Meanwhile, the club achieved their first win at the 23rd National Club Team Football Championship Tournament (winning by 9–0). Iwaki FC also debuted at the Emperor's Cup in 2017 edition. After defeating Norbritz Hokkaido in the first round, they surprisingly overcame Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo by 5–2 after extra-time. They lost against Shimizu S-Pulse in the third round.

Tohoku Soccer League (2018–2019)

First advancing to the Tohoku Soccer League in 2018, Iwaki FC earned promotion to the following year's JFL for the first time in 2019. The club won the All Japan Regional Promotion Series.

Japan Football League (JFL) (2020–2021)

Joining the Japan Football League for the 2020 season, in the 2021 season, Iwaki FC finished in first position in the JFL competition, earning promotion to the following year's J3 League.

J. League (2022–)

In the 2022 season, their first year in the J3 League, Iwaki FC received a J2 League license on 28 October 2022, and become eligible for promotion. On 6 November, they were crowned the J3 League champions, earning promotion to the following year's J2 League. They secured the league title in the 32nd round, following a 3–0 win against Kagoshima United. Iwaki FC ended their 2022 season with 78 points from 34 matches. On 26 September 2023, Iwaki FC was declared to have met the requirements to obtain a license up to the J1 League.

Stadium

Iwaki FC played at J-Village Stadium in Hirono during the 2022 J3 season. However, following their promotion to the J2 League, they now use Hawaiians Stadium Iwaki, located in Iwaki.

On 25 September 2025, Iwaki FC announce new stadium name Iwaki Stadium Labo. Construction has been start from November 2027 and complete in 2031.

League and cup record

Key

• Pos. = Position in league; P = Games played; W = Games won; D = Games drawn; L = Games lost; F = Goals scored; A = Goals conceded; GD = Goals difference; Pts = Points gained

Honours

Current squad

As of 30 March 2026.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Club officials

Managerial history

As of 15 June 2023

Kit evolution

External links