Japan Aims for First World Cup Quarterfinal; F-Group Opener Against Netherlands

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.