The Japan national football team head to the WC 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Samurai Blue have been drawn in Group F alongside Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. Japan has shown they can upset top teams and consistently reach the knockout stages, demonstrating tactical discipline and individual talent. However, winning the tournament requires sustained elite pe. The competition kicks off on 11 June across 16 stadiums in three host nations.
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The Road to WC 2026: How Japan Qualified
Japan qualified for the WC 2026 through the AFC Second Round, Group B, finishing in 1st with 18 points from their qualifying campaign (6W-0D-0L). Samurai Blue scored 24 goals and conceded 0 during the qualifying phase.
Japan secured their place in the WC 2026 with three games to spare in the third round of qualification, after a 2-0 win against Bahrain on March 20, 2025.
This marks Japan's 8th WC appearance. The Japan Football Association (JFA) has guided the squad through a competitive AFC qualifying campaign.
Japan qualified for their eighth consecutive the tournament with a perfect record in AFC qualifying, winning all six matches with 24 goals scored and none conceded. The Samurai Blue's domination underlined their status as Asia's strongest team. Under Hajime Moriyasu, Japan have developed a high-pressing, technical style that has proven effective against top European and South American opposition.
For full details on the qualification standings and results, visit the AFC official website.
"This squad has the quality and determination to represent our country with pride at the tournament."
- Hajime Moriyasu
Bet on Japan at the WC 2026
Japan's Outright Odds to Win WC 2026
Japan enter the WC 2026 with outright odds of approximately 25/1 to win the tournament. Japan has shown they can upset top teams and consistently reach the knockout stages, demonstrating tactical discipline and individual talent. However, winning the tournament requires sustained elite performance across seven matches.
Outright winner market
Japan to Win WC 2026
25/1
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Best Betting Markets and Predictions for Japan
Explore the full range of Japan betting markets for the tournament, including group winner, top scorer and match result. Use the Napoleon Sports sportsbook to build your own combinations with BetBuilder across all Japan group stage matches.
Profit Boost on the tournament bets
Boost your returns on Japan's group matches
Japan are serious contenders to make a deep run after their stunning displays against Germany and Spain at the 2022 tournament. At 25/1, they represent excellent value in the outright market. The group winner market is genuinely competitive in Group F. Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo are exciting selections in the anytime goalscorer markets.
How Far Can Japan Go? Realistic Expectations
Japan has shown they can upset top teams and consistently reach the knockout stages, demonstrating tactical discipline and individual talent. However, winning the tournament requires sustained elite performance through multiple knockout rounds against the world's best, which remains a significant challenge for them. Other strong contenders in this tournament include Korea Republic and Germany.
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Japan's Squad for WC 2026
Japan's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Hajime Moriyasu ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goalkeepers
Hayakawa
27 - Kashima Antlers
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Kashima Antlers, age 27.
Osako
26 - Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, age 26.
Suzuki
23 - Parma
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Parma, age 23.
Defenders
Nagatomo
39 - FC Tokyo
Defensive leader who has seen it all at international level, expected to organise the back line. Currently at FC Tokyo, age 39.
Ito
27 - FC Bayern München
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at FC Bayern München, age 27.
Suzuki
22 - FC København
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at FC København, age 22.
Midfielders
Endo
33 - Liverpool FC
Senior midfielder bringing tempo and game-management to the squad. Currently at Liverpool FC, age 33.
Doan
27 - Eintracht Frankfurt
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Eintracht Frankfurt, age 27.
Suzuki
24 - SC Freiburg
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at SC Freiburg, age 24.
Forwards
Ogawa
28 - NEC Nijmegen
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at NEC Nijmegen, age 28.
Goto
21 - Sint-Truiden VV
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Sint-Truiden VV, age 21.
Shiogai
21 - VfL Wolfsburg
Rising star up front, blending speed with the confidence to take on the world's best. Currently at VfL Wolfsburg, age 21.
Last 5 Matches: Japan's Recent Form
| Date | Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2026 | Japan vs. England | 1-0 W | Friendlies |
| March 28, 2026 | Japan vs. Scotland | 1-0 W | Friendlies |
| November 18, 2025 | Japan vs. Bolivia | 3-0 W | Friendlies |
| November 14, 2025 | Japan vs. Ghana | 2-0 W | Friendlies |
| October 14, 2025 | Japan vs. Brazil | 3-2 W | Friendlies |
Japan have won 5, drawn 0 and lost 0 of their last 5 matches heading into the tournament.
Japan in Group F: Schedule, Opponents and Stadiums
Japan have been drawn in Group F alongside Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia.
| Match | Date | Stadium | CEST | EEST | BRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan vs. Netherlands | Sat 14 Jun | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 03:00 | 04:00 | 22:00 |
| Japan vs. Tunisia | Fri 20 Jun | Dallas Stadium, Arlington | 03:00 | 04:00 | 22:00 |
| Japan vs. Sweden | Wed 25 Jun | Houston Stadium, Houston | 01:00 | 02:00 | 20:00 |
Group F is one of the most competitive groups, with the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia all capable of advancing. The opening match against the Netherlands will be a fascinating tactical battle. Japan will look to replicate their 2022 heroics by taking points from their toughest opponents, with the match against Tunisia offering a chance to seal qualification.
Head-to-Head: Japan vs. Group F Opponents
Japan vs. Netherlands: These teams have limited head-to-head history. The tournament group stage will provide a fresh chapter in this fixture.
Japan vs. Tunisia: These teams have limited head-to-head history. The tournament group stage will provide a fresh chapter in this fixture.
Japan vs. Sweden: These teams have limited head-to-head history. The tournament group stage will provide a fresh chapter in this fixture.
Japan's Head Coach for WC 2026
Hajime Moriyasu (Japan, born 1968) has been in charge of the Japan national team since Aug 1, 2018. His preferred formation is 3-4-2-1.
Career highlights include: Won 1992 Asian Cup as a player, Led Sanfrecce Hiroshima to J1 League titles in 2012, 2013, 2015, Led Japan to 2019 AFC Asian Cup Final, Achieved Round of 16 at 2022 World Cup.
Follow Japan's tournament journey and historical records on the J.League tournament archive.
Japan's Official Kits for WC 2026
Japan's WC History and Records
Japan have appeared at 8 World Cups, with their first appearance in 1998. Their best finish is Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022).
8
WC appearances
Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
Best finish
1998
First appearance
Japan at the 2022 World Cup
Japan advanced to the Round of 16 after topping Group E with wins over Germany and Spain, but were eliminated by Croatia in a penalty shootout.
For complete historical statistics and squad data, see the Transfermarkt Japan profile page.
Memorable WC Moments for Japan
Defeating Germany 2-1 in their 2022 group opener was a historic upset.
Defeating Spain 2-1 in 2022 to top Group E was another significant upset.
Read more about other teams at the WC 2026: France and Australia.
Japan's the tournament history has been marked by steady progression. The 2022 World Cup saw Japan produce two of the tournament's greatest upsets, defeating both Germany and Spain in the group stage. Those victories, built on disciplined defending and clinical counter-attacking, announced Japan as a genuine force in world football that can compete with and beat anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Japan at the tournament
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