Japan World Cup 2026

Japan arrive at the 2026 World Cup as Asia's standard-bearers and a team that has proven it can beat the very best in the world. The Samurai Blue stunned both Germany and Spain in the 2022 group stage, showcasing tactical sophistication and technical quality decades in the making. Under Hajime Moriyasu, Japan combine trademark precision and discipline with the attacking dynamism of a deep pool of European-based stars. Takefusa Kubo has blossomed into one of La Liga's most creative players and Kaoru Mitoma is among the Premier League's most electric wingers. The 2026 tournament offers Japan a genuine shot at a first-ever quarter-final — and beyond.

Japan dominated AFC third-round Group C to seal qualification in March 2025 — among the first teams to book their place. Drawn into Group F with the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia, they face a competitive group but possess the quality and big-game pedigree to reach the knockout rounds and chase a historic quarter-final.

Hajime Moriyasu deploys a flexible 4-2-3-1 built on rapid transitions and collective pressing. Takefusa Kubo is the creative spark, Wataru Endo provides midfield steel and leadership, and Ritsu Doan adds width and goals. Organised, technically refined and devastating on the break, Japan fear nobody.

Japan's best World Cup result is the Round of 16, reached four times (2002 as co-hosts, 2010, 2018 and 2022). They have qualified for every tournament since 1998. Their 2022 campaign was historic, beating both Germany and Spain in the group stage before a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia in the last 16. Japan co-hosted the 2002 World Cup with South Korea, the first tournament held in Asia.

At the 2022 World Cup, Japan beat both former champions Germany and Spain in the group stage — coming from behind in both matches — to top their group in one of the most remarkable collective achievements by an Asian nation.