Japan secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals for the eighth straight time, with Hajime Moriyasu leading the team into his second consecutive tournament as head coach [1, 2].
The team maintained much of its core from the 2022 World Cup, where Japan topped their group but exited in the round of 16 on penalties to Croatia—marking their fourth straight World Cup knockout stage exit without a win [1].
Over the eight months leading into the 2026 tournament, Japan showed strong form by beating Brazil and England in friendly matches, signaling progress and ambition [1]. On June 1, 2026, Japan added a 1-0 friendly win against Iceland at Tokyo National Stadium, with Koki Ogawa scoring a late winner. Iceland, ranked 75th globally and absent from the 2026 World Cup, provided a lower-ranked but competitive opponent [2].
Moriyasu highlighted the team’s determination after recent wins, saying, "The players have consistently shown a strong desire to improve themselves... the team was of course happy, but then immediately shifted focus. I sense that there is joy but also a calm and steady awareness that there is another goal beyond that" [1]. He stated clearly that Japan’s goal for 2026 is to win the World Cup title [2].
Japan will face the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden in the group stage of the 2026 tournament [1].
Japan’s next major test comes as the 2026 World Cup approaches, where they aim to advance beyond the round of 16 for the first time in their history.
