The story
The Japan national football team, affectionately known to their passionate supporters as the Samurai Blue, enter the FIFA World Cup 2026 with high expectations. Currently ranked number 18 in the world, they bring a unique tactical identity and style from AFC to this expanded 48-team tournament.
Technical, brave and forever knocking on the quarter-final door.
With the tournament co-hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Japan will count on their travelling support to create a vibrant atmosphere. Their primary objective will be to make a statement in Group F and navigate their way to the high-stakes knockout rounds.
What to watch
Keep a close eye on their transition play in Group F. The connection between Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma is crucial to their attacking spark.
X-factor
Takefusa Kubo - the clinical winger who holds the ability to turn a match on its head with a single moment of magic.
Japan are poised to be one of the most intriguing stories of the group stage, bringing great energy to the tournament.
Their fixtures
اليابان 
السويد اليابان 1-1 السويد
اليابان 1-1 السويد. المجموعة F. NRG Stadium، هيوستن. الثلاثاء، 16 يونيو.
هولندا اليابان هولندا 2-2 اليابان
هولندا 2-2 اليابان. المجموعة F. Levi's Stadium، San Francisco. الأحد، 21 يونيو.
اليابان 
تونس اليابان 4-0 تونس
اليابان 4-0 تونس. المجموعة F. NRG Stadium، هيوستن. الأربعاء، 24 يونيو.
البرازيل اليابان البرازيل 2-1 اليابان
البرازيل 2-1 اليابان. دور الـ32. SoFi Stadium، Los Angeles. الاثنين، 29 يونيو.