Japan

Japan — the Samurai Blue — are drawn into Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. Japan have been one of the most improved football nations over the past decade, and they arrive in 2026 as genuine dark-horse contenders following their stunning 2022 World Cup group-stage victories over Germany and Spain.

The Netherlands are group favorites, but Japan have proven they can beat top European teams in tournament settings. Sweden and Tunisia are competitive but beatable. Japan should be considered strong contenders for second place — or even first.

Why this group matters: Japan's 2022 campaign changed perceptions of Asian football. Beating both Germany and Spain in the group stage — then losing to Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16 — showed Japan can compete with anyone but have not yet learned to win knockout matches. 2026 is about taking the next step.

The Netherlands opener is a massive test — and exactly the kind of fixture Japan have proven they can win. Tunisia on Matchday 2 is a must-win. Sweden on Matchday 3 could decide group positions.

Japan have appeared in 7 FIFA World Cups (every tournament since 1998):

• Best finish: Round of 16 (2002 as co-hosts, 2010, 2018, 2022)
• 2022 in Qatar: The most impressive group-stage performance by an Asian team. Japan beat Germany 2-1 and Spain 2-1 to top their group, before losing to Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16. The "Giant Killing" performances made global headlines.
• 2018 in Russia: Led Belgium 2-0 in the Round of 16 before losing 3-2 to a dramatic counter-attack in stoppage time — one of the most heartbreaking World Cup losses ever.
• 2002 as co-hosts: Reached the Round of 16, losing to Turkey. The tournament sparked a football boom in Japan.
• Consistent qualifiers: Japan have qualified for every World Cup since their debut in 1998.

Japan's consistent improvement — from first-time qualifiers in 1998 to group-stage winners over Germany and Spain in 2022 — is one of the great development stories in football.

Hajime Moriyasu continues as Japan's manager, having led them through the 2022 World Cup and Asian Cup qualification. His system has evolved into one of the most tactically sophisticated in international football.

• Against top teams: Japan sit in a compact 4-4-2 defensive block and counter through Kubo and Mitoma's pace
• Against weaker teams: Japan press high and dominate possession
• Tactical substitutions that change the game's dynamic — Moriyasu's use of substitutes was a key factor in the 2022 victories over Germany and Spain
• Technical superiority in tight spaces — Japan's short passing and movement patterns are among the best in world football

The 2022 blueprint — defend deep, absorb pressure, then strike with devastating speed on the counter — could work against the Netherlands in exactly the same way it worked against Germany.

Japanese football culture is famous for its discipline, respect, and emotional intensity.

• Cleaning the stadium: After every Japan match, Japanese fans stay behind to clean their section of the stadium. This practice, which went viral during the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, has become one of the most admired fan traditions in world football.
• Blue Samurai spirit: Japanese fans coordinate their chanting with remarkable precision. The "Nippon" chant — rhythmic, unified, and powerful — creates an atmosphere unlike any other.
• Cultural respect: Japanese fans bow to the team after matches, win or lose. The mutual respect between fans and players creates an emotional bond that is visibly different from other football cultures.
• Anime and pop culture: Japanese football intersects with anime (Captain Tsubasa is one of the most popular anime series globally) and gaming culture, attracting fans who come to football through cultural channels unique to Japan.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Japan play the most exciting counter-attacking football in the world. Their 2022 victories over Germany and Spain were tactical masterclasses — and they have only gotten better. Kaoru Mitoma's dribbling is hypnotic, Kubo's creativity is a joy to watch, and the possibility of another upset makes every Japan match must-see television. Plus, the fan culture is genuinely inspiring.

Japan are capable of topping Group F, though second place behind the Netherlands is more likely. The expanded format gives them a clear path through the Round of 32.

Prediction: Quarterfinals. Japan have the tactical sophistication and individual quality to beat anyone in a single match. The Round of 16 barrier (four consecutive exits at that stage) is the psychological hurdle they must clear. If they do, a quarterfinal appearance is realistic, and a semifinal is not out of the question. Japan are the most dangerous dark horse at the tournament.