Modified on June 30, 2026
Top 32: Japan vs Brazil
In Houston, the match was held on June 29. For fans in Japan, the game kicked off at 2 am.
In the 29th minute Kaishu Sano kicked in a goal, giving Japan hope it might able to defeat the 5 time World Cup champion. In the in the later half, Brazil's offense was strong. Japan defended. But 11 minutes in, Brazil equalized with Casemiro heading in a goal. When the game was almost over, during additional time, Gabriel Martinelli fired a goal.
Brazil won 2 to 1. Japan's hope to advance to the top 16 was again shattered.
JAPAN IN GROUP F
June 25: Japan vs Sweden
Dallas Stadium drew over 70,000 spectators.
Neighter side goaled in the first half.
In the later half 11 minutes into the game, Daizen Maeda of Celtic received a pass from Ritsu Doan of Frankfurt to goal.
But just 6 minutes after, Sweden equalized on Anthony Elanga of New Castle's goal.
The game finished a draw.
That's all Japan need to qualify for the knock out stage.
Sweden with a loss, a win and a draw also advanced.
June 20: Japan vs Tunisia
In Monterey, Japan competed with confidence. Just 4 minutes into the game, Ayase Ueda's kick touched Daichi Kamada and entered the goal. Next Ayase Udea kicked in a clean goal.
In the later half Juna Ito kicked in a goal.
That was follosed by Ayase Ueda heading in.
4 goals in one game at the World Cup is a record for Japan, and an Asian record.
It 4 to 0 match.
June 14: Japan vs The Netherlands
In Dallas, Samurai Blue faced FIFA ranking number 8 team its never beat.
Neither side goaled in the first half.
6 minutes into the later half, Dutch captain Virgil Van Dijk headed in a goal.
Then 6 minutes later Keito Nakamura kicked in an equalizer receiving a pass from Take Kubo.
Then minutes leader the Netherlands took the lead again on Crysencio Summerville's goal.
With the game coming close to the end, head coach Hajime Moriyasu changed a number of players.
In the 44th minute, Koki Ogawa headed in a goal hitting Daichi Kamada to equalize.
The game ended a 2 to 2 draw.
Both teams won a point each.
PRE 2026 WORLD CUP
vs Iceland
At the National Stadium in Tokyo, a friendly match was held on May 31 ahead of Samurai Blue's departure from Japan for FIFA World Cup.
Koki Ogawa headed in a goal for Samurai Blue's 1 to 0 win.
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Japan announces national team roster
On May 15, the roster of 26 players was announced by head coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Yuto Nagatomo is participating for the 5th time.
Other notable players, Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamata, Daizen Maeda, Koki Ogawa, Ritsu Doan.
Stars who did not make it, Kaoru Mitoma due to an injury. Takumi Minamino has not recovered enough.
Captain was Wataru Endo. But he withrew just before the first match due to a foot injury.
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