Japan enters the 2026 World Cup eying the quarter-final appearance that has eluded them over the years. The high-press, transition-centric side will look to build off a promising 2022 campaign. Here’s a full preview of Japan’s national team, including predictions, betting odds, key players and more.
World Cup History
- Eight appearances
- Best finish: Round of 16
- FIFA Rank: #18
- 2026 Group: F
Japan has reached the Round of 16 four times but has never advanced to the quarter-finals. Samurai Blue has become one of the most consistent World Cup teams in Asia. Their next major milestone is obvious: winning a couple of knockout matches and reaching the last eight.
Group Stage Matches
- Japan vs. Netherlands: June 14, 4:00PM ET
- Japan vs. Tunisia: June 21, 12:00AM ET
- Japan vs. Sweden: June 25, 3:00PM ET
Major Storylines, Predictions
Japanʼs technical midfield and wide attacking talent make them a real threat in Group F. The opener against the Netherlands is a major early measuring stick. If Japan can pair its tempo and technique with more clinical finishing, this could be the group where they push past their usual ceiling. Unfortunately, the absence of Kaoru Mitoma due to a hamstring injury puts a damper on things.
Soccer Analyst’s Prediction: Japan place second in their group and advance, winning their first Knockout Stage game before falling in the Round of 16.
Japan 2026 World Cup Squad
Key Players
- Wataru Endo | Midfielder | Liverpool
- Takefasu Kubo | Winger | Real Sociedad
- Ritsu Doan | Winger | Eintracht Frankfurt
- Ayase Ueda | Forward | Feyenoord
Japan 2026 World Cup Odds
- To Win The World Cup: +5500
- Projected Top Goalscorer: Ayase Ueda (+275)
- To Win Group F: +275
Find all of the Japan World Cup 2026 lines on DraftKings Sportsbook!
More World Cup Coverage
Check out our World Cup 2026 landing page for additional content and live, updating group tables as the tournament begins!