Japan
The Japan National Soccer Team, established in 1921 and governed by the Japan Football Association, is a powerhouse in Asian football. With four AFC Asian Cup titles and consistent FIFA World Cup appearances since 1998, Japan is admired for its discipline, speed, and tactical precision. The team continues to advance on the global stage, symbolizing Japan’s dedication, teamwork, and passion for the game.
Explore the official Japan National Team squad and get a clear overview of every player selected for the tournament. Discover the key details behind the stars, rising talents, and core squad members who shape the team’s World Cup 2026 campaign.
Takumi Minamino
Midfielder
Jan 16, 1995
Junya Ito
Attacker
Mar 9, 1993
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Defender
Nov 5, 1998
Wataru Endo
Defender
Feb 9, 1993
Takuma Asano
Midfielder
Nov 10, 1994
Takefusa Kubo
Midfielder
Jun 4, 2001
Haruya Fujii
Defender
Dec 26, 2000
Yukinari Sugawara
Defender
Jun 28, 2000
Hiroki Ito
Defender
May 12, 1999
Ryosuke Kojima
Goalkeeper
Jan 30, 1997
Ryotaro Ito
Midfielder
Feb 6, 1998
Shogo Taniguchi
Defender
Jul 15, 1991
Hidemasa Morita
Midfielder
May 10, 1995
Hayao Kawabe
Midfielder
Sep 8, 1995
Kanji Okunuki
Midfielder
Aug 11, 1999
Ayase Ueda
Attacker
Aug 28, 1998
Taishi Brandon Nozawa
Goalkeeper
Dec 25, 2002
Zion Suzuki
Goalkeeper
Aug 21, 2002
Atsuki Ito
Midfielder
Aug 11, 1998
Sota Miura
Defender
Sep 7, 2000
Meet the Japan National Team coaching staff, who play a vital role in preparing the squad for success on the international stage. Working behind the scenes, they support the team’s tactical development, physical conditioning, match preparation, and overall performance throughout World Cup 2026.
Hajime Moriyasu
Birthday:
Aug 23, 1968
Nationality:
Japan
Explore the latest Japan matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and stay updated on results, key moments, and standout player performances from every game.
England vs Japan
0 : 1
Mar 31, 2026 • Friendlies
Wembley Stadium, London
Scotland vs Japan
0 : 1
Mar 28, 2026 • Friendlies
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Japan vs Bolivia
3 : 0
Nov 18, 2025 • Friendlies
National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo
Japan vs Ghana
2 : 0
Nov 14, 2025 • Friendlies
Toyota Stadium, Toyota
Japan vs Brazil
3 : 2
Oct 14, 2025 • Friendlies
Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo
Japan vs Paraguay
2 : 2
Oct 10, 2025 • Friendlies
Panasonic Stadium Suita, Suita
USA vs Japan
2 : 0
Sep 9, 2025 • Friendlies
Lower.com Field, Columbus
Mexico vs Japan
0 : 0
Sep 7, 2025 • Friendlies
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
South Korea vs Japan
0 : 1
Jul 15, 2025 • EAFF E-1 Football Championship
Yongin Mireu Stadium, Yongin
Japan vs China
2 : 0
Jul 12, 2025 • EAFF E-1 Football Championship
Yongin Mireu Stadium, Yongin
Japan reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup with another commanding qualifying campaign, becoming the first team to qualify for the finals on March 20, 2025 after a 2-0 win over Bahrain in Saitama. They were flawless in the AFC second round, winning all six matches, scoring 24 goals, and conceding none. The third round was tougher, but Japan still finished top of Group C, collecting big wins over China PR, Bahrain, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia along the way. Even after qualification was secured early, the Samurai Blue finished strongly and underlined their status as one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup teams.
Played
Qualification matches played
Won
Matches won
Drawn
Matches drawn
Lost
Matches lost
Goals For
Total goals scored
Goals Against
Total goals conceded
Goal Difference
GF minus GA
Points
3 per win, 1 per draw
Road to WC
Match | Date | MatchUp | Stadium | City | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nov 16, 2023 | Japan vs Myanmar | Panasonic Stadium Suita | Suita | 5:0 |
2 | Nov 21, 2023 | Syria vs Japan | Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium | Jeddah | 0:5 |
3 | Mar 21, 2024 | Japan vs North Korea | New National Stadium | Tokyo | 1:0 |
4 | Jun 6, 2024 | Myanmar vs Japan | Thuwunna Stadium | Yangon | 0:5 |
5 | Jun 11, 2024 | Japan vs Syria | Hiroshima Big Arch | Hiroshima | 5:0 |
6 | Sep 5, 2024 | Japan vs China | Saitama Stadium | Saitama | 7:0 |
7 | Sep 10, 2024 | Bahrain vs Japan | Bahrain National Stadium | Riffa | 0:5 |
8 | Oct 10, 2024 | Saudi Arabia vs Japan | King Abdullah Sports City | Jeddah | 0:2 |
9 | Oct 15, 2024 | Japan vs Australia | Saitama Stadium | Saitama | 1:1 |
10 | Nov 15, 2024 | Indonesia vs Japan | Bung Karno Stadium | Jakarta | 0:4 |
11 | Nov 19, 2024 | China vs Japan | Xiamen Egret Stadium | Xiamen | 1:3 |
12 | Mar 20, 2025 | Japan vs Bahrain | Saitama Stadium | Saitama | 2:0 |
13 | Mar 25, 2025 | Japan vs Saudi Arabia | Saitama Stadium | Saitama | 0:0 |
14 | Jun 5, 2025 | Australia vs Japan | Optus Stadium | Perth | 1:0 |
15 | Jun 10, 2025 | Japan vs Indonesia | Panasonic Stadium Suita | Suita | 6:0 |
Japan’s World Cup history is defined by rapid growth, technical quality, and unforgettable upsets. The Samurai Blue made their tournament debut in 1998 and have since become one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup teams, qualifying for eight straight editions through 2026. Their first major breakthrough came in 2002, when co-hosting the tournament helped inspire a run to the Round of 16, a milestone repeated in 2010, 2018, and 2022.
Some of Japan’s most famous World Cup moments came against global powers. In 2018, they pushed Belgium to the limit in a dramatic 3–2 defeat after leading 2–0, while 2022 brought stunning wins over both Germany and Spain, confirming Japan’s ability to challenge the elite. Japan’s World Cup identity has also been shaped by standout figures such as Hidetoshi Nakata, Keisuke Honda, and Shinji Kagawa. With skill, discipline, and a history of landmark performances, Japan has become one of Asia’s most compelling World Cup nations.
Japan have appeared at the FIFA World Cup seven times — 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 — with 2026 set to be their eighth participation. The Samurai Blue have now qualified for eight straight editions through 2026.
Japan’s best World Cup finish is the Round of 16, reached in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022. They are still chasing a first quarter-final appearance.
Keisuke Honda is Japan’s top World Cup scorer with 4 goals. He scored in three consecutive World Cups — 2010, 2014, and 2018.
Yuto Nagatomo holds Japan’s record for most World Cup matches played, with 15 appearances. His longevity made him one of the defining figures in Japan’s tournament history.
In 2022, Japan stunned both Germany and Spain in the group stage, producing one of the most famous World Cup campaigns in the nation’s history. Another major milestone came in 2002, when Japan reached the knockout stage for the first time.
Kaoru Mitoma
A game-breaking winger and one of Japan’s most dangerous modern attackers, Mitoma is known for his explosive acceleration and elite dribbling. His direct running and chance creation make him a centerpiece of Japan’s attacking plan heading toward 2026.
Daichi Kamada
A smart, versatile attacking midfielder who can operate between the lines or join the forward line, Kamada brings quick combinations and big-match efficiency. His ability to time runs, create chances, and finish moves makes him a key player for Japan.
Ritsu Doan
A high-intensity wide attacker, Doan combines sharp movement, pressing energy, and a knack for decisive moments. His ability to drift inside and combine in tight spaces makes him a crucial player in Japan’s frontline core.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
A versatile defender capable of playing centrally or as a full-back. Tomiyasu’s composure, physical strength, and defensive intelligence make him one of Japan’s most reliable modern players, crucial for their 2026 ambitions.
Wataru Endo
Known for his leadership and ball-winning ability, Endo anchors Japan’s midfield with discipline and experience. His role at Liverpool demonstrates his elite defensive reading and work rate, vital during World Cup qualification.
Takefusa Kubo
Kubo brings creativity, dribbling, and goal-scoring threat from wide areas. A breakout performer in La Liga, he is central to Japan’s attacking plans for 2026 and represents the new generation pushing Japan toward deeper World Cup runs.
Keisuke Honda
Honda delivered some of Japan’s most iconic World Cup moments, especially in 2010 and 2014. Known for his powerful left foot, creativity, and set-piece ability, he remains Japan’s top World Cup scorer and a symbol of Japan’s attacking identity.
Shunsuke Nakamura
A master technician and one of Japan’s greatest set-piece specialists, Nakamura was known for his passing range and unforgettable free kicks. His creativity and control in midfield made him a defining star of Japan’s 2000s generation.
Kunishige Kamamoto
Japan’s classic goalscoring legend, Kamamoto was a ruthless finisher who defined an era with prolific national-team output. His impact as a striker set early standards for excellence and remains a reference point in Japanese football history.
Hidetoshi Nakata
One of Asia’s most influential footballers, Nakata was known for his technical quality, vision, and leadership. He played in Serie A at a time when few Asian players competed in Europe’s top leagues, helping raise Japan’s global profile across multiple World Cups.
Follow Japan at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and discover where the team will play throughout the tournament. Explore the full match schedule, host cities, and stadiums set to stage some of the competition’s biggest moments. From group-stage fixtures to possible knockout-round drama, find everything you need to experience the action live at football’s biggest event.
Japan has appeared at the FIFA World Cup 7 times before 2026 (first in 1998).
Japan has never reached a FIFA World Cup final.
Japan has reached the knockout stage 4 times — 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022 (all Round of 16 runs).
Japan’s best finish is the Round of 16, achieved in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022.
Japan’s worst result is a group-stage exit, including their 1998 debut when they lost all three group matches.
Japan’s most recognized rivalries include South Korea and a major modern AFC rivalry with Australia.
Japan qualified by finishing first in their AFC third-round qualifying group.
Japan’s group-stage venues are Dallas Stadium and Monterrey Stadium. They play Netherlands in Dallas on June 14, 2026, Tunisia in Monterrey on June 20, 2026, and Sweden in Dallas on June 25, 2026.
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