They beat Germany. They beat Spain. At Qatar 2022, Japan proved Asia has arrived on football's biggest stage. In 2026, led by Takefusa Kubo and Wataru Endo, the Samurai Blue target the quarterfinals for the first time.
The Art of the Comeback
Japan co-hosted the 2002 World Cup and became the first Asian team to reach the knockout rounds. They lost to Turkey in the Round of 16 but created a footballing era.
In 2022, Japan produced the tournament's biggest shocks. Trailing Germany 1–0, substitute-led comebacks — Kaoru Mitoma and Ritsu Doan inspired a 2–1 win. Then they beat Spain 2–1 in similar circumstances. Two former world champions eliminated. They fell to Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16.
For 2026, Hajime Moriyasu announces a squad with Mitoma unfortunately ruled out through hamstring injury. But Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad, Copa del Rey winner) emerges as Japan's main attacking star.
Key Players for 2026
| Player | Position | Role & Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Takefusa Kubo | Right Winger / AMF | Real Sociedad star; exceptional dribbling, creativity, and a Copa del Rey winner — Japan's greatest attacking hope |
| Wataru Endo | Defensive Mid / Captain | Liverpool's dynamic midfielder; engine of Japan's press and captain of the side |
| Ritsu Doan | Left Winger | Freiburg's creative force; scored crucial goals against Germany and Spain in 2022 |
| Daichi Kamada | Attacking Mid | Crystal Palace's technical playmaker; linking play and creating goals from deep areas |
| Ayase Ueda | Striker | Feyenoord forward; Japan's main goal threat up front — physical, direct, and clinical in the box |
The 2026 Challenge
Japan are in Group F alongside Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. Beating the Netherlands to top the group would be another seismic statement. Even second place gives them a knockout path.
Moriyasu has built a system that is hard to break down, lightning on the counter, and terrifyingly effective from set pieces. Japan goes to 2026 not to participate — they go to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.
Follow Japan's World Cup 2026 campaign with full squad news, tactical analysis, and match predictions. ⚽
Frequently Asked Questions
Japan beat both Germany (2–1) and Spain (2–1) in the group stage — two former world champions eliminated in the same group.
Japan is in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Wataru Endo (captain, Liverpool), Ritsu Doan (Freiburg), and Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace).
Hajime Moriyasu, who led Japan to their remarkable 2022 run and continues to build on that success. Kaoru Mitoma is out with injury.