Japan are no longer World Cup underdogs.
The Samurai Blue finished the 2026 World Cup group stage unbeaten after drawing 2–2 with the Netherlands, defeating Tunisia 4–0 and earning a 1–1 draw against Sweden. Those results showed that Japan can recover against elite opposition, dominate defensive teams and manage pressure when qualification is at stake.
In this video, we examine four reasons why Japan have become a serious tournament threat:
Hajime Moriyasu’s flexible tactical system
Ayase Ueda’s emergence as a genuine number nine
The deepest and most experienced Japanese squad yet
A generation determined to break Japan’s knockout-stage barrier
Japan have developed far beyond the team that surprised Germany and Spain in 2022. Players such as Ueda, Daichi Kamada, Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan, Zion Suzuki and Takehiro Tomiyasu now form a disciplined, adaptable squad capable of competing in different types of matches.
Even without the injured Kaoru Mitoma, Japan have shown that their system and depth are strong enough to survive major absences.
Their next challenge could be the biggest one yet: Brazil in the Round of 32.
Can Japan finally move beyond their historic knockout-stage ceiling, or will Brazil end the Samurai Blue’s journey?
Share your prediction in the comments, subscribe for more World Cup 2026 analysis, and watch our videos explaining why Germany and Spain can win the tournament.
Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:35 Reason 1
2:17 Reason 2
3:40 Reason 3
5:20 Reason 4
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