Japan’s long‑term ambition to lift the World Cup began in 1992 with a “100‑Year Vision” and was tightened in 2005 when the Japan Football Association set 2050 as the target. The Samurai Blue have qualified for every tournament since their 1998 debut, making the 2026 event their eighth straight appearance and keeping a top‑20 FIFA ranking. The plan enjoys corporate and government backing.

A roster packed with Europe‑based talent underlines Japan’s progress. Starters could include Parma’s Zion Suzuki, Feyenoord’s Takefusa Kubo and Liverpool defender Wataru Endo, all competing in the continent’s top leagues. Yet the team has never passed the round of 16, despite beating Germany and Spain in 2022 and recording friendly wins over Brazil and England.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu faces criticism for a cautious game plan that often yields counter‑attacking football, a style that backfired in a 1‑0 loss to Costa Rica. Injuries to Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino have removed two creative outlets, but replacements from the Premier League and Bundesliga are available. Japan must adopt a more proactive approach if they aim to reach the quarter‑finals in 2026.