Japan have grown into Asia’s standard-setters, qualifying for every World Cup since 1998 and stunning both Germany and Spain in 2022. Disciplined and fearless, they keep raising their ceiling.

The road ahead

Group game 1 · Sun 14 June

at Netherlands2–2 D

Group game 2 · Sun 21 June

at Tunisia4–0 W

Group game 3 · Thu 25 June

vs Sweden1–1 D

Three group games are guaranteed; the knockout steps unlock as the team advances.