World Cup Hero
Predict the 2026 World Cup your way
Japan play at the 2026 World Cup in Group F against Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. Head coach is Hajime Moriyasu. Find their chances, history, FAQs and which World Cup Hero archetype matches Japan below.
Underestimate Japan at your peril. At the 2022 World Cup they eliminated both Germany (2-1) and Spain (2-1) from their group with tactically brilliant counter-attacking football. The current squad plays mostly in Europe's top leagues: Mitoma (Brighton), Kubo (Real Sociedad), Endo (Liverpool — 2025 Premier League champions). In Group F, the Netherlands are the nominal favourite, but they should be warned: Japan's pressing is relentless and their set pieces are world-class. Against Sweden and Tunisia, Japan are the favourites. Beyond the group stage, a Round of 16 spot is realistic; a quarter-final would be their best ever World Cup. Japan's football revolution rolls on.
The three group-stage matches for Japan in Group F.
Japan face three opponents in Group F. The top two go straight through to the knockouts; the eight best third-placed teams also qualify.
Head-to-head analyses between Japan and the other teams in Group F, plus classic rivalries.
At every World Cup since 1998. Four Round of 16 exits, never further. Beat both Germany (2-1) and Spain (2-1) at the 2022 World Cup.
The 3 biggest names in Japan's squad, ranked by star score (0-100). Click for the full profile.
Plays their best football when it matters most — form at the right moment. Does this archetype match you too? Set your 10 sliders and discover the World Cup Hero in you.
Start predicting →Japan play at the 2026 World Cup in Group F, together with Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia.
Hajime Moriyasu is the head coach of Japan at the 2026 World Cup.
Japan's best World Cup result is: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022). Japan have 7 previous World Cup appearances.
Underestimate Japan at your peril. At the 2022 World Cup they eliminated both Germany (2-1) and Spain (2-1) from their group with tactically brilliant counter-attacking football.
Japan are part of AFC (Asia). They sit at #17 on the FIFA world ranking.
Last updated: 2026-06-07