🇯🇵 Japan at the 2026 World Cup
Samurai Blue who topped Spain and Germany in Qatar's group of death.
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The Samurai Threat
Japan have reached the knockout stage in five of their last six World Cup appearances, eliminating Germany and Spain in the 2022 group stage. They are no longer a surprise; they are a genuine threat in any match. A technically gifted squad built on Bundesliga and Premier League experience.
At the 2026 World Cup, Japan are placed in Group F alongside Netherlands, Sweden, Tunisia. The top 2 teams from every group advance to the Round of 32, and the 8 best third-placed teams also go through. Every match matters from minute one.
With 8 World Cup appearances in their history and a best finish of Round of 16, Japan bring experience to a tournament that is larger and more competitive than ever before.
Group F Draw
All 4 teams in Japan's group. Top 2 advance automatically, plus the 8 best third-placed teams across all 12 groups.
How the 2026 Group Stage Works
Japan's 2026 Squad
Projected, official call-up to be confirmed
Likely first eleven
in a 3-4-2-1.
Editorial first XI based on qualifying form, club minutes, and Hajime Moriyasu's recent selection. The official sheet is named one hour before kickoff.
- 1Zion Suzuki
- 3Ko Itakura
- 4Shogo Taniguchi
- 16Takehiro Tomiyasu
- 5Hiroki Ito
- 6Wataru EndoCAPTAIN
- 13Hidemasa Morita
- 14Junya Ito
- 9Kaoru Mitoma
- 20Takefusa Kubo
- 7Ayase Ueda
All 25 players
Goalkeepers
3 playersDefenders
8 playersMidfielders
7 playersForwards
7 playersEditorial selection based on current first-team form. The final 26-player squad is at the head coach's discretion and is announced approximately one month before the tournament.
Japan in AFC
Asia (AFC)
AFC sends 8 Asian teams, reflecting the continent's growing football quality. Japan and South Korea regularly reach the knockout stage.
Japan competed against other AFC nations through a multi-year qualifying campaign to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup. The expanded format of 48 teams gave more nations a path to the tournament than ever before.
Other AFC teams at 2026
No Ticket? Watch Japan At a Fan Zone
Every Japan group match is screened live on the giant screen at the FIFA Fan Fest in the host city. Free entry, no queue, just show up. Every other host city also screens every match, so wherever you are, you can join the crowd.
