As the 2026 World Cup looms, one nation that could well be flying under the radar is Japan. With an expanded field of 48 teams, the potential for surprise packages is greater than ever, and Japan has all the ingredients to be a dark horse contender.
Japan's recent form and experience make them an intriguing prospect. In 2022, they showcased their ability by defeating Germany and Spain, only to fall short in the round of 16. But four years later, with a talented squad and a growing belief, they could be poised for their most successful World Cup campaign yet.
The Rising Sun
Japan's journey to the World Cup has been an impressive one. They became the first non-host nation to secure their spot in the finals with an almost flawless qualifying campaign. The core of this team, made up of 19 World Cup debutants, has set its sights high, aiming to win the prestigious tournament.
Manager Hajime Moriyasu's confidence is well-founded. The squad boasts players like Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka, who have been instrumental in Japan's recent successes. Since their last World Cup appearance, they've defeated top-ranked teams like England, Germany, and Brazil, proving their ability to compete at the highest level.
A New Generation
The rise of Japanese players in Europe's top leagues has been a significant factor in their recent success. Former defender Maya Yoshida, who has joined the squad as a support player, attributes this to the increasing reputation of Japanese players and their daily exposure to top-level competition.
Yoshida, with 127 caps for his country, believes the current generation stands on the shoulders of giants like Shunsuke Nakamura, Hidetoshi Nakata, and Shinji Ono, who paved the way for Japanese players to make their mark on the global stage.
A Broader Perspective
Japan is not alone in their quest to be a surprise package. Other teams like Mexico, Ecuador, Turkey, and South Korea are also being tipped as potential dark horses. Former England striker Chris Sutton has his eye on Japan, having correctly predicted their victory over Germany in the last World Cup. He believes their technical prowess will make them a dangerous opponent.
Former Scotland international Rachel Corsie and ex-England defender Stephen Houghton also see potential in Japan, with Corsie highlighting their ability to exceed expectations.
A Deep Run
As Japan prepares for their opening game against the Netherlands, the question arises: Can they finally break through and reach the quarter-finals, a stage they've never experienced? Yoshida and Moriyasu have set this as their primary goal, with the latter aiming even higher - to be one of the best of the best.
In my opinion, Japan's blend of talent, experience, and ambition makes them a serious contender. With a strong showing in their group, which includes Sweden and Tunisia, they could set up a deep run in the knockout stages.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for an underdog story, a narrative that has captivated football fans for decades. Japan has the ingredients to write their own chapter in World Cup history.
