8
WC Appearances
including 2026
Round of 16
Best Result
all-time
None
Titles
yet to win
#18
FIFA Ranking
April 2026 (approx.)
About Japan
Japan arrive at World Cup 2026 as Asia's form team, having won every match in their final Asian qualification round and consistently punching above their weight on the global stage. The Blue Samurai, under the experienced Hajime Moriyasu, famously beat both Germany and Spain at Qatar 2022 in what was one of the tournament's most shocking upsets. Group F places Japan alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden - a group where they can legitimately challenge for a top-two finish. With Premier League regulars like Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo complementing domestic J-League stars, Japan's technical quality continues to grow with each World Cup cycle.
Team Base Camp
🇺🇸 USA
Base camp
Nashville, Tennessee
Samurai Blue base in Nashville at the SC's MLS training complex (purpose-built 2022). Nashville's central location gives short hops to LA and Seattle for two of their three Group F venues without sustained West Coast time-zone fatigue.
Per FIFA regulations (§18.3), Japan stays at this base camp for the entire group stage and travels to each match venue one day before kickoff (and returns the same night or the next day).
Distance to each group-stage match
Straight-line distance from Nashville to each match stadium. Actual travel adds airport time on flights.
Key Players
Zion Suzuki
Tsuyoshi Watanabe
Keito Nakamura
Yuito Suzuki
Keisuke Gotō
Head Coach
Hajime Moriyasu
2026 Group
Group F
Japan at the 2026 World Cup
All times shown are local to the stadium
World Cup History
| Year | Stage Reached | |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Round of 16 | |
| 2018 | Round of 16 | |
| 2014 | Group Stage | |
| 2010 | Round of 16 | |
| 2006 | Group Stage | |
| 2002 | Round of 16 | |
| 1998 | Group Stage |
8 appearances total · Includes all World Cups as Japan
Japan World Cup 2026 FAQ
What group is Japan in for the 2026 World Cup?+
Japan is in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden.
Who is the manager of Japan at the 2026 World Cup?+
Hajime Moriyasu manages Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What is Japan's FIFA ranking?+
Japan is ranked #18 in the FIFA World Rankings heading into the 2026 World Cup.
How many World Cups has Japan played in?+
Japan has appeared in 8 FIFA World Cups including 2026. Their best result is Round of 16.
When does Japan play in the 2026 World Cup?+
Japan's 2026 World Cup group stage matches: June 14 vs Netherlands; June 20 vs Tunisia; June 25 vs Sweden. Knockout matches are determined by group stage results.
Who are Japan's key players for the 2026 World Cup?+
Key players to watch for Japan include Zion Suzuki, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Keito Nakamura, Yuito Suzuki, Keisuke Gotō.
Where is Japan's base camp for the 2026 World Cup?+
Japan will be based in Nashville, Tennessee (USA), training at Nashville SC training facility. Per FIFA regulations, the team stays at this base camp throughout the group stage and travels to match venues one day before each game.
Japan on the way to 2026
Belgium v Japan | 2018 FIFA World Cup | Match Highlights (FIFA)