Japan have beaten Germany, Brazil, England and Spain since 2022, but may struggle to sustain a genuine title push.
Previous World Cup appearances: 7
Best performance: Last 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
First appearance: 1998 (France)
Top goal scorer: Keisuke Honda (4)
Most appearances: Yuto Nagatomo (15)
Japan scored 7 goals in 3 World Cup 2026 group matches, including a 4-0 win over Tunisia and a dramatic 2-2 draw against the…
Samurai Blue arrive with unprecedented confidence after toppling Brazil and England in friendlies
Japan have announced themselves as true 2026 FIFA World Cup contenders. Following a dramatic draw with the Netherlands and a 4-0…
Japan believe they can shock Brazil in the World Cup round of 32, and former coach Philippe Troussier thinks it would be a…
The Netherlands is desperate for a first world title, while Japan is considered a dark horse this summer.
Every World Cup produces dark horse countries that emerge as surprise packages, and the 2026 edition is unlikely to be any…
