Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Samurai Blue Aim Higher
Japan is no longer an underdog story. The Samurai Blue — who shockingly beat Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup before falling to Croatia on penalties — arrive at the 2026 tournament as a legitimate threat to any team in the draw. They have earned their place at the top table of world football.
Under coach Hajime Moriyasu, who continues to oversee the most successful era in Japanese football history, the Samurai Blue combines relentless pressing, tactical flexibility and a generation of players who have developed in Europe’s top leagues. Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) is their most dangerous attacker, a winger with elite technical quality and an eye for goal. Daichi Kamada drives the midfield with intelligence and industry. Maya Yoshida provides veteran defensive leadership.
In Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia, Japan faces a significant challenge to advance — but against the Dutch in 2022, they showed they can compete with anyone when organised and motivated.
Key Players
- Kaoru Mitoma – Brighton’s electrifying winger, among Asia’s finest players
- Daichi Kamada – Creative midfielder with Champions League experience
- Ritsu Dōan – Versatile attacker who scored against Germany and Spain in 2022
- Takumi Minamino – Reliable forward with Premier League and La Liga experience
Japan is ready to go further than ever before. Group F won’t be easy, but the Samurai Blue thrive on proving people wrong.