Japan's Blue Samurai Sharpen Their Blades for 2026 World Cup Glory — Quarterfinals or Bust!

Japan carries a rich and celebrated World Cup legacy since its debut in 1998, having qualified for every tournament since and delivering a number of unforgettable performances.

Among those highlights were stunning victories over Germany and Spain in the 2022 group stage, though a penalty shootout exit to Croatia in the round of 16 meant the quarterfinals remained out of reach. Japan now sets its sights on making an historic run to the last eight at its first World Cup on North American soil.

Hajime Moriyasu's squad may not feature a single standout superstar, yet it is packed with quality throughout—particularly in the attacking third. Japan's collective strength and relentless determination could make them a dangerous proposition once again this summer.

The Road to the World Cup

Japan became the first nation outside of the three co-hosts to book their place at the World Cup, navigating 16 matches across two qualifying rounds. Remarkably, they conceded only three goals throughout while netting an impressive 54. To describe their qualification campaign as comfortable would be putting it mildly.

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Manager: Hajime Moriyasu

Moriyasu stepped up from assistant to head coach of the senior side shortly after the 2018 World Cup and has flourished in the role ever since. His impressive 2022 World Cup run was underpinned by a talent for developing young players—a skill honed during his concurrent tenure as Japan's under-23 manager during the first three years of his senior appointment.

How Japan Plays

Moriyasu has experimented with various formations throughout his tenure, but is expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 setup at the World Cup. Known for their relentless pressing and seemingly limitless energy, Japan looks to suffocate opponents and transition rapidly up the field following turnovers.

Japan is equally dependable at the back, functioning as a finely tuned unit across all areas of the pitch.

Ones to Watch

X-Factor: Affectionately dubbed the "Japanese Messi" in his home country for his exceptional technical gifts, Takefusa Kubo is set to torment defenders this summer with his blistering pace and outstanding agility. He contributed four goals and eight assists in qualifying alone. 

Breakout Star: After already turning heads in Italy with a string of outstanding performances, New Jersey-born Zion Suzuki has the opportunity to elevate himself from regional standout to global name by shining on the World Cup stage in front of European club scouts.

What Japan Will Be Wearing

Japan consistently arrives at major tournaments in style, and its classic navy blue home kit has been given a fresh new look ahead of this summer's competition. The latest Adidas design is enhanced by light blue curved lines across the chest, representing the Japanese horizon and the team's ambition to surpass its past achievements.

The away strip is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Built on a white base, it features eye-catching multi-colored pinstripes across the body, complemented by bold black cuffs, collar and shoulder detailing.

Japan's Predicted Starting XI

Injury concerns could disrupt Moriyasu's ideal lineup this summer. Monaco forward Takumi Minamino has been ruled out after suffering an ACL tear, while center back Koki Machida faces the same injury and remains a significant doubt. Captain Wataru Endo is also uncertain to feature after sustaining a long-term injury with Liverpool back in February.

Despite those setbacks, Japan retains a wealth of attacking talent. Tricky wingers Kaoru Mitoma and Kubo will aim to dazzle on the big stage, as will prolific Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda. Ritsu Doan, Junya Ito and Daichi Kamada provide further firepower in the final third.

Suzuki is an exciting young goalkeeper shielded by a back three, with Bayern Munich center back Hiroki Ito expected to lead the defensive line. Ajax's Ko Itakura offers another reliable option at the back for the Blue Samurai.

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Japan headed to the United Kingdom for their March international friendlies, kicking things off with a hard-earned 1–0 victory over Scotland despite naming a rotated starting lineup.

Though largely on the defensive against England at Wembley, the Blue Samurai managed to grind out another 1–0 away result, providing a timely confidence boost in the build-up to the World Cup.

What We Can Expect From Japan Fans

Japan is home to one of football's most admired supporter cultures, best illustrated by what happens after the final whistle. Fans who travel to cheer on the Blue Samurai at major tournaments have earned global recognition for tidying up their sections of the stadium before leaving, regardless of the result—even in the wake of painful defeats.

That courtesy, however, should not be confused with a lack of passion. Japanese supporters are vocal and spirited in their backing, proudly expressing their national identity by wearing blue, red and white, donning traditional kimonos and painting their faces. They will be impossible to miss across North America.

Chants of "Nippon, Nippon!"—the Japanese name for Japan—will echo through stadiums as the traveling faithful look to inspire their team to glory.

National Expectations

Building on the momentum of a strong 2022 World Cup showing, optimism is high that Japan can deliver its finest tournament performance yet this summer. With a potent attack, a hardworking midfield and a defense that conceded just three goals in qualifying, there is plenty of reason for fans to feel encouraged.

Japan should advance from the group stage without too much difficulty, particularly given the expanded format allowing more third-placed teams through, but the real test will come in the knockout rounds. Having never progressed past the round of 16, can the Blue Samurai finally break that barrier this time around?

And Finally ...