Japan

Profile

The first team in the world to qualify for 2026, Japan have become the most feared side in Asia and increasingly in world football after knocking out or beating Germany and Spain at recent World Cups. Under coach Hajime Moriyasu they play an intelligent, high-energy pressing game with exceptional organisation, and nearly the entire squad now plays regular football in Europe's top five leagues — a profound shift from even a decade ago. Takefusa Kubo at Real Sociedad and Kaoru Mitoma at Brighton have become established Premier League and La Liga names. Wataru Endo marshals the Liverpool midfield with extraordinary composure. Japan openly target the quarter-finals as a minimum and talk privately about going further in 2026. Group F contains the Netherlands and Sweden — both winnable games for a Japan side whose self-belief has never been higher. The Samurai Blue are Asia's strongest ever team and the neutrals' favourite underdog.

Japan fixtures

Players to watch

• Takefusa Kubo

  Forward · Real Sociedad

  The jewel of Japanese football, Kubo has established himself as one of La Liga's most creative and entertaining attackers at Real Sociedad. His close control, dribbling in tight spaces and vision for the unexpected make him the player opponents least want to face — a genuine star of world football at just 24.

• Kaoru Mitoma

  Forward · Brighton

  One of the Premier League's most exciting wide players, Mitoma combines relentless energy with exceptional dribbling ability that he has studied scientifically. His ability to beat defenders on the outside at full pace, combine in tight spaces and deliver or finish makes him a constant problem for any right-back he faces.

• Wataru Endo

  Midfielder · Liverpool

  Japan's defensive midfield anchor who has become a fan favourite and key performer at Liverpool, Endo breaks up play with intelligent positional sense rather than physical dominance. His composure under pressure, distribution quality and leadership in tight moments have earned respect from the Anfield faithful and international experts alike.

Group F table