Japan team profile - FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Japan.
FIFA World Ranking: 18
Confederation: AFC
Who is Japan’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Japan’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Hajime Moriyasu. He has been in charge since July 2018 after having previously guided Sanfrecce Hiroshima to three J1 League titles.
Who is Japan’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Japan’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Wataru Endo, who has been capped over 70 times by his country since making his Samurai Blue debut in 2015.
How many times have Japan participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
7 – 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 (FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the eighth consecutive men’s World Cup to feature Japan.)
What is Japan’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Round of 16 – 2002, 2010, 2018, 2022
How did Japan qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Japan qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing top of their group in the third round of the AFC qualification stage. After receiving a bye through the first round, the second round saw 36 teams drawn into nine groups with four, with Japan finishing top of Group B on 18 points having won all six of their group matches without conceding and averaging a whopping four goals scored per game.
The 18 teams who qualified through the second round was placed into three groups of six in third round with the top two in each group qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026. Japan finished first-place in Group C on 23 points, four points above second-placed Australia.
Confirmation of Japan’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification came on March 20, 2025 after a 2-0 win against Bahrain in the seventh round of Group A matches. They were the first non-host nation to officially qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Who are Japan’s star players?
Speedy winger Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) provides Japan with a fantastic counter-attacking outlet and a player with the ability to beat defenders in a 1v1 duel. For a team who are excellent are getting the ball forward at pace, Mitoma is likely to create plenty of goalscoring opportunities for Samurai Blue, both for himself and his teammates. The Brighton star was recently on the scoresheet in a historic 0-1 win over England at Wembley Stadium this past March.
Another attacking midfielder who warrants significant attention is Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), scorer of goals against both Spain and Germany at FIFA World Cup 2022. It would be no surprise to see Doan play on the opposite flank to Mitoma and the pair’s ability to cut inside and shoot makes them a nightmare for full-backs to handle.
In central midfielder, Ao Tanaka (Leeds Utd) is a trusted player for Hajime Moriyasu. Another goalscorer at FIFA World Cup 2022, netting the winner vs Spain in the group stage, Tanaka has proven to be a key figure for his club in the English Premier League, covering sizeable ground alongside his teammates, whilst having the ability to set the likes of Mitoma and Doan away with an excellent range of short and long-range passing.
Who is in Japan’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Japan are in Group F, which consists of the following teams:
Sweden
Japan
Sweden
Tunisia
Japan’s Group F fixtures are as follows:
Netherlands vs Japan: Sunday June 14, 2026 – 4:00pm ET, 9:00pm UK
Tunisia vs Japan: Saturday June 20, 2026 – 12:00am ET (Sunday), 5:00am UK (Sunday)
Japan vs Sweden: Thursday June 25, 2026 – 7:00pm ET, 12:00am UK (Friday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Japan’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Nashville SC – Nashville, Tennessee.
Expert prediction for Japan’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Coming off the back of consecutive round of 16 finishes in 2018 and 2022 respectively, the stage is set for Japan to take that next step at FIFA World Cup 2026 and reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. This is arguably the best Japanese team ever assembled heading into a World Cup, with every player knowing their role to perfection both in and out of possession. The incredible fitness levels of the squad should also prove hugely effective in what should be extremely hot conditions.
Heading into FIFA World Cup 2026, Japan are unbeaten against European nations since 2019, which bodes well when considering they share a group with Netherlands and Sweden. In 2022, it was Germany and Spain in Japan’s group and Samurai Blue defeated both on their way to the knockout stage. Having lost just one of their 16 World Cup qualification matches, it puts into perspective how hard it will be to beat this Japanese side.
Japan should qualify for the knockout stage and they are more than capable of doing so as group winners for the second consecutive World Cup when considering their defensive ability and offensive threat. Whilst a potential round of 32 clash with projected Group C runners-up Morocco would be an extremely close encounter, Japan have what it takes to edge out the Atlas Lions. An easier round of 16 tie on paper would then follow against the runners-up from either Group A or Group B.
This represents a realistic route to Japan’s first ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final berth, where France could be waiting for them. That would likely signal the end of the road for Moriyasu’s men but what a run it would have been.
What round will Japan reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Quarter-Finals
