SportsSamurai Blue arrive with unprecedented confidence after toppling Brazil and England in friendliesJapan's Koki Ogawa celebrates scoring for Japan in a friendly against Iceland in Tokyo on May 31. © ReutersJOHN DUERDENJune 5, 2026 15:24 JSTLONDON -- For the first time ahead of a World Cup, there is a genuine discussion over whether an Asian team can lift the trophy. Injuries have dented Japan's prospects, but belief remains that the team can justify its "dark horse" status.