FIFA Ranking #16 · 8 World Cups · Best: Round of 16
Japan's "Blue Samurai" make every World Cup a must-watch — their 2022 group stage wins over Germany and Spain announced them as genuine contenders rather than romantic stories. With an almost entirely European-based squad and Moriyasu's intelligent pressing system, Japan are dangerous for anyone in Group F.
Group F opponents
Kaoru Mitoma
⭐ Star PlayerBrighton & Hove Albion
Left Winger
42
Caps
11
Goals
28
Age
Brighton's mesmerising left winger — one of the Premier League's most exciting dribblers, with an uncanny ability to beat defenders.
Takumi Minamino
Monaco
Forward / Attacking Midfielder
70
Caps
25
Goals
31
Age
Technically excellent forward with Premier League experience, capable of playing across the attacking line and scoring crucial goals.
Daichi Kamada
Lazio
Attacking Midfielder
40
Caps
14
Goals
28
Age
Technical, intelligent creator who reads the game exceptionally well and delivers goals and assists in big matches.
Ko Itakura
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Centre-Back
38
Caps
3
Goals
28
Age
Japan's most composed defender — calm on the ball and excellent in the tackle, the backbone of their defensive structure.
All times local to venue. Group stage results determine knockout seedings.
Netherlands
FIFA #8
AT&T Stadium
Arlington, TX
Tunisia
FIFA #35
Estadio BBVA
Monterrey, Mexico
Sweden
FIFA #29
AT&T Stadium
Arlington, TX
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8
Appearances
0
Titles
#16
FIFA Rank
Round of 16
Best Result
Japan co-hosted the 2002 World Cup and reached the Round of 16, losing to Turkey — while co-hosts South Korea became the first Asian nation to reach the quarter-finals. Japan have reached the Round of 16 at four of their last five tournaments, with a famous 2022 group stage that saw them defeat Germany and Spain. Their growing professional depth in European football makes each tournament stronger than the last.
Formation
Double pivot for solidity, one No.10 behind the striker
Head Coach
Hajime Moriyasu
Japanese · 4-2-3-1
Hajime Moriyasu leads Japan into the 2026 World Cup with a 4-2-3-1 system built around the squad's strengths.
The three teams Japan must face in the group stage.
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