A full guide to Japan at the 2026 World Cup: the Samurai Blue's rise, Hajime Moriyasu's side, Kubo and Mitoma, and the Group F route.
Japan have quietly become Asia's standard-bearers and arrive at the 2026 World Cup with a deep, predominantly European-based squad and clear ambitions of finally cracking the quarter-finals barrier. The Samurai Blue are no longer plucky outsiders content to make up the numbers, they are a genuine, well-organised threat capable of beating anyone.
World Cup pedigree
Japan have reached the knockout rounds four times, in 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022, but have never gone beyond the Round of 16, a frustrating ceiling they are desperate to break. Their 2022 campaign was a statement of intent: they topped a brutal group containing Germany and Spain, beating both in stunning comebacks, before losing on penalties to Croatia in the last 16. That tournament confirmed Japan as a side capable of toppling the elite on any given day.
The manager
Hajime Moriyasu has overseen Japan's recent surge, including a dominant Asian qualifying campaign. He has built a flexible, modern side that can comfortably switch between back-four and back-three systems within a single match, and his trust in attacking talent has made Japan one of the most fluid and progressive teams in Asia. His tactical adaptability gives Japan options against opponents of every level.
Key players to watch
- Takefusa Kubo — the Real Sociedad playmaker with the dribbling, vision and end product to unlock stubborn defences.
- Kaoru Mitoma — the electric Brighton winger whose one-on-one ability and acceleration are genuinely world-class.
- Wataru Endo — the Liverpool midfielder providing leadership, defensive cover and calm balance in the engine room.
- Daichi Kamada — a versatile attacking midfielder with a knack for goals and creative passing.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu — a composed, versatile defender capable of playing across the back line when fit.
Tactical style
Moriyasu's Japan are quick, technical and tactically adaptable. They press intelligently in coordinated units, transition at high speed and use the pace of Mitoma and Kubo to hurt teams in wide areas and in behind. Their willingness to change formation mid-game, sometimes to chase a result and sometimes to protect one, makes them especially awkward to prepare for and frequently catches opponents off guard.
The group and toughest opponent
Japan are drawn in Group F with Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. The standout test is the Netherlands, a technically gifted European side and the group favourite, whose quality in possession will examine Japan's defensive structure. Sweden are physical, well-organised and dangerous from set pieces, while Tunisia are disciplined and resilient. Keep up with every result via our live scores page and the group standings.
A realistic route
Given their pedigree, Japan should expect to reach the knockouts, with the Netherlands game likely deciding top spot and the easier half of the bracket. The genuine dream is finally to win a Round of 32 or Round of 16 tie and reach a first-ever quarter-final. With this much European-tested talent and a manager who trusts them, that long-held target is realistic this time around. Check kick-off times on our match schedule.
How to watch and follow live
Japan's matches will be broadcast worldwide on major networks and streaming platforms, with kick-offs scheduled to reach their large global fanbase. For live scores, line-ups and updates as they happen, bookmark our live scores hub, and browse every nation on the all teams page.
FAQ
What is Japan's best World Cup result?
Japan have reached the Round of 16 four times (2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022) but have never advanced to the quarter-finals.
Who is Japan's manager at the 2026 World Cup?
Hajime Moriyasu, who led Japan's strong qualifying campaign and the famous 2022 group-stage wins over Germany and Spain.
Which group is Japan in?
Japan are in Group F alongside Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia, with the Netherlands the toughest opponent.