Japan Aims for First World Cup Quarterfinal; F-Group Opener Against Netherlands
Japan's national team aims for its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal appearance in 2026, starting with a tough F-group opener against the Netherlands. Key players include Ueda Ayase, Doan Ritsu, Kubo Takefusa, and returning defender Tomiyasu Takehiro.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 20:59
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- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 10, 2026 at 21:08 (1 min after Collected)
The 2026 World Cup kicks off tomorrow. Japan, making its eighth consecutive and eighth overall appearance, aims to finally break through to the quarterfinals, starting with the group stage.
According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun, the group stage will consist of 12 groups of four teams each. The top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams (32 teams total), will advance to the knockout stage. Japan is in Group F, a group of evenly matched, World Cup-experienced teams, expected to be a fierce battle.
In all four previous World Cups where Japan advanced from the group stage, they earned points in their opening match. Japan's first match in this tournament is against the Netherlands, considered the strongest team in Group F and a title contender. The Dutch squad features Premier League core players like Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
If Japan can take points from the Netherlands, their path to advancement becomes much clearer. Even if they lose, the new format allowing some third-placed teams to advance means there is no need for excessive anxiety.
Japan's second match is against Tunisia, the lowest-ranked team in Group F. Japan must secure points here to set up a crucial third match against Sweden.
This Japanese squad is being hailed as the "strongest ever." While long-time leaders Takumi Minamino (Monaco) and Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) are absent, the overall squad depth has improved. The team possesses the flexibility to change formations mid-game and the resilience to score goals from limited opportunities.
The offensive core will be Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Ritsu Doan (Frankfurt), and Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad). Ueda scored 25 goals in the Eredivisie this season, winning his first top-scorer award. Doan scored in the last World Cup. Kubo is expected to break down defenses with his exceptional technique.
On defense, Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax) returns after a long absence due to repeated injuries. He joins a solid defensive line including Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich). Ito played 16 Bundesliga matches and scored one goal in the 2025-26 season, also winning the DFB-Pokal with Bayern.
New talents like Watanabe Go (Feyenoord) and Suzuki Junnosuke (Copenhagen) have emerged during the absence of players like Tomiyasu.
In recent international friendlies, Japan has demonstrated its strength by defeating football powerhouse Brazil and strong side England. As the culmination of coach Hajime Moriyasu's eight-year tenure, Japan is ready to challenge for the World Cup summit.
According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun, the group stage will consist of 12 groups of four teams each. The top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams (32 teams total), will advance to the knockout stage. Japan is in Group F, a group of evenly matched, World Cup-experienced teams, expected to be a fierce battle.
In all four previous World Cups where Japan advanced from the group stage, they earned points in their opening match. Japan's first match in this tournament is against the Netherlands, considered the strongest team in Group F and a title contender. The Dutch squad features Premier League core players like Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
If Japan can take points from the Netherlands, their path to advancement becomes much clearer. Even if they lose, the new format allowing some third-placed teams to advance means there is no need for excessive anxiety.
Japan's second match is against Tunisia, the lowest-ranked team in Group F. Japan must secure points here to set up a crucial third match against Sweden.
This Japanese squad is being hailed as the "strongest ever." While long-time leaders Takumi Minamino (Monaco) and Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) are absent, the overall squad depth has improved. The team possesses the flexibility to change formations mid-game and the resilience to score goals from limited opportunities.
The offensive core will be Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Ritsu Doan (Frankfurt), and Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad). Ueda scored 25 goals in the Eredivisie this season, winning his first top-scorer award. Doan scored in the last World Cup. Kubo is expected to break down defenses with his exceptional technique.
On defense, Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax) returns after a long absence due to repeated injuries. He joins a solid defensive line including Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich). Ito played 16 Bundesliga matches and scored one goal in the 2025-26 season, also winning the DFB-Pokal with Bayern.
New talents like Watanabe Go (Feyenoord) and Suzuki Junnosuke (Copenhagen) have emerged during the absence of players like Tomiyasu.
In recent international friendlies, Japan has demonstrated its strength by defeating football powerhouse Brazil and strong side England. As the culmination of coach Hajime Moriyasu's eight-year tenure, Japan is ready to challenge for the World Cup summit.
FAQ
Has Japan ever reached the World Cup quarterfinals?
No, their best result is the Round of 16. They are aiming for the quarterfinals for the first time.
What is the order of Japan's group matches?
Match 1: Netherlands, Match 2: Tunisia, Match 3: Sweden.
How important is Japan's first match?
Historically, Japan has always earned points in their opening match when advancing from the group stage.