After an incredible 4-0 demolition of Tunisia in the historic 1,000th World Cup match, Japan are firmly on track for the last 32. Photo: IANS
Japan have long carried the hopes of Asian football on the global stage, but at the 2026 Fifa World Cup they are doing far more than merely representing their continent. They are thriving and announcing themselves as genuine dark horses as the tournament heads towards the round of 32 teams.
Their emphatic 4-0 demolition of a dejected Tunisia on Sunday morning was another statement performance from a side that has looked among the most polished teams at the tournament. The win all but secured their passage to the knockout stages and reinforced the growing belief that this Japanese squad could be capable of something special.
What has stood out most is the precision of their attacking play. Japan are not relying on moments of individual brilliance alone. Instead, every attack appears carefully choreographed, built on quick passing combinations, intelligent movement and relentless pressing.
Against Tunisia, the North Africans simply could not cope with the pace at which Japan moved the ball. Players constantly rotated positions, dragging defenders out of shape and getting between them to create space.
