Japan returned to the World Cup in 2026, looking to improve on their 2022 knockout-round exit. Under Hajime Moriyasu, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Japan enter 2026 as the team that stunned Germany and Spain in Qatar 2022 becoming only the second Asian nation ever to beat four-time European champions twice in the same tournament. Hajime Moriyasu, in his second full cycle as manager, leads a squad deep with Bundesliga, Premier League, and Serie A experience. The Samurai Blue's eighth consecutive WC appearance marks the longest current Asian qualification streak.
Japan emerged from the group stage unbeaten, showing resilience in a tough opening round. In the knockout rounds, they were narrowly knocked out by Brazil in the Round of 32. The narrowest of defeats against Brazil ended what had been a promising tournament run.
1won2drawn1lost
8scored5conceded
Scored in every match just 1 win in 4 matches.
Takefusa Kubo, 24, has become the creative anchor of the Japanese attack after four seasons at Real Sociedad. Scouted by Barcelona as a child and often compared to Messi in his teen years, he represents a new wave of Japanese players arriving at European top flights in their prime rather than at the end of their careers.
vs Tunisia
group stage
2 scored by Ueda 2 scored before half-time.
Ayase Ueda led Japan's attack with 2 goals at the 2026 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Kamada, both with 2.
Moriyasu, 56, has been in charge of Japan since 2018. He brought the team through Qatar 2022 with a high-risk, high-press tactical identity that produced the two signature upsets. He is the longest-serving current manager of any Asian national team. At the helm since the 2022 World Cup just 1 win in 4 under Moriyasu.
