Japan at the 2026 World Cup: Squad, Key Players, Manager & History
Eight World Cups, four Round of 16 exits, and a squad that just beat Germany and Spain — Japan are done settling for nearly. The quarterfinal is the target.
For a nation that didn't set foot at a World Cup until 1998, Japan have made up for lost time in remarkable fashion. Now eight-time participants and consistently one of Asia's strongest sides, the Samurai Blue are no longer content with simply qualifying — they are arriving in North America with genuine ambitions of reaching a first-ever quarterfinal.
How They Got Here
Japan wasted no time securing their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first non-host nation to qualify by topping their group in the Asian qualifying phase. A statement of intent before the tournament has even begun.
Group Stage Schedule
Drawn into Group F, Japan face a demanding set of opponents across three matches split between the United States and Mexico:
June 14 — Japan vs. Netherlands | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (4 p.m. ET)
June 21 — Japan vs. Tunisia | Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, Mexico (12 a.m. ET)
June 25 — Japan vs. UEFA Playoff B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania) | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (7 p.m. ET)
World Cup History
Japan have appeared at seven previous World Cups — 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 — with their best showings coming in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022, each time reaching the Round of 16. That glass ceiling is exactly what Hajime Moriyasu's side is targeting in 2026.
Players to Watch
Wataru Endo is the heartbeat of the team. The Liverpool midfielder captains the side with authority, bringing tireless ball-winning and the kind of tactical discipline that makes Japan's system tick.
Takefusa Kubo is the creative spark. The Real Sociedad man combines sharp dribbling with an eye for a pass, capable of unlocking defences in tight spaces.
Kaoru Mitoma is the danger out wide. The Brighton forward offers explosive pace and outstanding ability in one-on-one situations, making him one of the most exciting players Japan has ever produced.
The Manager
Hajime Moriyasu has been at the helm since 2018, bringing experience, calm, and a deep understanding of Japanese football. A former midfielder himself, he made his name domestically by winning multiple titles with Sanfrecce Hiroshima. His crowning achievement came at the 2022 World Cup, where he steered Japan to landmark victories over Germany and Spain — results that sent a clear message to the rest of the world.
Records & Legends
Japan's all-time top scorer is Kunishige Kamamoto, who netted 75 goals — a long-standing record that reflects one of the country's earliest footballing icons, who spent his career with Yanmar Diesel. For appearances, Yasuhito Endō holds the record with 152 caps, a figure accumulated across stints at Yokohama, Kyoto, Gamba Osaka, and Júbilo Iwata.