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
Japon 
Suède Japon 1-1 Suède
Japon 1-1 Suède. Groupe F. NRG Stadium, Houston. mar. 16 juin.
Pays-Bas Japon Pays-Bas 2-2 Japon
Pays-Bas 2-2 Japon. Groupe F. Levi's Stadium, San Francisco. dim. 21 juin.
Japon 
Tunisie Japon 4-0 Tunisie
Japon 4-0 Tunisie. Groupe F. NRG Stadium, Houston. mer. 24 juin.
Brésil Japon Brésil 2-1 Japon
Brésil 2-1 Japon. Huitièmes de poule (32). SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles. lun. 29 juin.