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FootballCerezo Osaka continue preparations ahead of new season
Japanese club Cerezo Osaka continue their preparation programme ahead of the new domestic league season, aiming to improve on last season's performance.
Yokohama F. Marinos continue their J-League dominance
Yokohama F. Marinos continue to assert their dominance on the Japanese football scene, preparing for a new season in which they aim to extend their run of domestic honours.
TransfersKawasaki Frontale announce new signing
Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale have officially announced the signing of a new player, a move aimed at strengthening the squad ahead of the new season.
FootballKashima Antlers step up preparations for the 2026 season
Kashima Antlers continue their intensive preparation programme ahead of the 2026 J1 League season, aiming to build on their rich trophy history.
Vissel Kobe continue their strong J-League campaign
Japanese club Vissel Kobe continue to show strong form in the J-League, with ambitions of competing with the top teams for the title this season.
FIFA World Cup 2026Brazil edge Japan 2-1 as Martinelli's 96th-minute strike books Round of 16 spot
Japan led through Sano's 29th-minute strike but Brazil came from behind through Casemiro and a stunning late Martinelli finish to win 2-1 in Houston.
Standings
| P | DIFF | PTS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification | ||||
| 1 |  Netherlands | 3 | +6 | 7 |
| 2 | Japan | 3 | +4 | 5 |
| 3 |  Sweden | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 |  Tunisia | 3 | -10 | 0 |
Rules and legend
- Qualification
- Relegation
Full Squad
Defenders
Key Players
Top Players
Trophies
History of the Japan national team
Founding and Early Years
The Japan national team, nicknamed "Samurai Blue," is governed by the Japan Football Association (JFA), founded in 1921. Long a quiet presence on the world stage, it established itself as the benchmark of Asian football from the 1990s onward.
Team Evolution
Having reached the World Cup knockout stage at every edition since 2002, Japan has built a reputation as a dangerous opponent for the world's top nations, with several stunning wins over world champions.
Great Managers
Hajime Moriyasu has led Samurai Blue since 2018, a period during which Japan regularly upset major football nations in World Cup group stages, before confirming their progress with qualification to the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
Iconic Players
Kazuyoshi Miura, nicknamed "King Kazu," a key figure in the 1992 continental triumph, and Hidetoshi Nakata, a two-time Asian Footballer of the Year and a pioneer for Japanese players in Serie A, paved the way for international recognition of Japanese football. Ko Itakura, the current captain, now carries this legacy forward.
Major Achievements
Japan hold the record with four AFC Asian Cup titles (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011). At the 2026 World Cup, Samurai Blue reached the Round of 32 before losing to Brazil (1-2), following a group stage that included draws against the Netherlands (2-2) and Sweden (1-1), and a heavy win over Tunisia (4-0).
The Team Today
Under Hajime Moriyasu, Japan continue their steady progress and rank among the top nations of the Asian continent in the FIFA World Ranking.
Frequently asked questions
When is Japan's next match?+
Japan face Venezuela on 28 September 2026.
What is Japan's current standing?+
Japan are currently 2 in World Cup 2026 with 5 points.
How many Asian Cup titles has Japan won?+
A record four: 1992, 2000, 2004, and 2011.
Who is Japan's captain?+
Ko Itakura, Samurai Blue's current captain.
How did Japan's 2026 World Cup end?+
They were eliminated in the Round of 32 by Brazil (1-2).
Since when has Japan consistently qualified for World Cup knockout stages?+
Since 2002, Japan has reached the knockout stage at every edition.
Who is Japan's current head coach?+
Hajime Moriyasu, in charge since 2018.
When was the Japan Football Association founded?+
The JFA was founded in 1921.