Past World Cup appearances: 7
Best Performance: Best 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
First appearance: 1998 (France)
Top scorer: Keisuke Honda (4)
Most appearances: Yuto Nagatomo (15)
Player to watch: Takefusa Kubo
FIFA World Ranking: 18th
Match card: Netherlands (June 14th, Dallas, USA), Tunisia (June 20th, Monterrey, Mexico), Sweden (June 25th, Dallas, USA)
Japan was a late bloomer when it came to the World Cup, first appearing in the tournament in 1998, but they have appeared in every tournament since then.
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Although they never made it past the last 16, even when they competed as co-hosts in 2002, the current squad is arguably the most talented in the national team’s history.
Japan became the first team other than the host nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Samurai Blue has defeated Germany, Brazil, England and Spain since 2022.
They can beat any team on that day, but it’s unclear whether they can continue to pursue a genuine title shot throughout the long tournament, shaken by an injury to star player Kaoru Mitoma.
Declare victory at Wembley
It’s just a friendly, England rarely win against top teams these days and Wembley can have a terribly flat atmosphere. However, despite all the caveats, Japan’s recent 1-0 win thanks to Kaoru Mitoma’s goal in March was a deserved result and made a statement.
It was England manager Thomas Tuchel’s second defeat after a perfect qualifying campaign.
Japan also defeated a troublesome Scottish team in the same international match.
At the last World Cup, Japan came out on top with famous wins over Spain and Germany in the group stage, only to be stopped in the last 16 by Croatia on penalties.
Japan is no longer an amazing package. They field an elite team that is primarily based in Europe.
Kubo vows to step up even in Mitoma’s absence
Japanese right winger Takefusa Kubo has pledged to fill the void left by Mitoma, who was absent due to a hamstring injury sustained in Brighton’s match against Wolves in early May.
Kubo, 24, had a fantastic season with Real Sociedad, tormenting LaLiga’s best defenses and helping the team win the Copa del Rey.
He injured his hamstring in January and was forced to miss about two months, but he is currently in good physical condition and is eager to play.
“(Mitoma’s) injury is very disappointing. I have been in direct contact with him, and of course it is a difficult time for him. He is a very important player,” Kubo told Japanese media on Friday.
“I want to carry Mitoma’s aspirations and work hard with an even greater sense of responsibility.”
strong backbone
Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s side are happy to display as much attacking talent as possible, but are also pragmatic when necessary, playing in a low block, able to keep things solid and have a strong backbone.
Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu (currently at Ajax) was included in the 26-man squad and was a huge boost for Japan, despite not being able to play for Samurai Blue for almost two years due to repeated injuries.
In midfield, Wataru Endo will show his versatility with leadership and defensive screening, Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamata will provide creativity in the center of the park, and Leeds United’s Aoi Tanaka will provide energy and physicality.
Daenen Maeda, who can play both on the left wing and in midfield, has become Celtic’s star player this season. He has scored 14 goals and provided six assists in the league this season, scoring the decisive goal in the final game of the season to help them win the Scottish League title.
However, the lack of elite, ready-to-play strikers could blunt Japan’s attack, especially on the counter.
There’s also the psychological weight of so many sending offs in the last 16 innings, something the Blue Samurai will have to find a way to fend off.
What about Japanese groups?
Japan have firmly secured a spot in Group F, and while their first game against the Netherlands is likely to be their toughest test, it is also an opportunity to make their intentions known.
Tunisia and Sweden probably don’t have enough strength to contain the Japanese, but the Blue Samurai never wants to be complacent.
Al Jazeera predictions
Quarterfinals.
Japan has a good chance of breaking through the final 16 hexes, but the best eight will be the limit for a team whose limits will probably catch up with them.
full team
GK: Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa.
DF: Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Akira Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Yuki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki.
MF: Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamata, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Yuito Suzuki.
FW: Daizen Maeda, Koki Ogawa, Ayase Ueda, Keito Nakamura, Kento Shiogai, Keisuke Goto.
