Japan compete in Group Six of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
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FIFA ranking: 18
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Last World Cup appearance: 2022 (Round of 16)
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Nickname: Samurai Blue
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Top clubs: Kashima Antlers, Yokohama F. Marinos, Kawasaki Frontale
Qualification: Excluding the three host nations (USA, Mexico, Canada), Japan were the first team to secure their place at the American World Cup, doing so in March 2025 after topping Group C of Asian qualifying with ease — six wins and one draw against Australia — booking their berth three rounds before the end of qualifying.
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu. The former Sanfrecce Hiroshima midfielder, who won three J.League titles with the club and began his coaching career there, has led the national team since July 2018. He guided Japan to the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022, losing to Croatia, a result that earned him a contract renewal — a rare outcome in Japanese football.
Star player: With Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma ruled out through a hamstring injury, Japan will rely heavily on Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, who featured less frequently in La Liga this season but maintained solid numbers. He is the most valuable player in the squad at €30 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Ambitions: Twenty-six years after their World Cup debut at France 1998, Japan prepare for their eighth consecutive tournament. They have never advanced beyond the Round of 16. Knocked out on penalties by Croatia in 2022, they can realistically aim — with most of their squad now playing in Europe — to at least match that achievement in a competitive Group Six.