World Cup

Japan

Competition: Coupe du Monde | Active season: 2026

JPN Group F

Group STAGE · Group

Netherlands vs Japan

14 Jun 2026 · 22:00

Upcoming matches

Group STAGE · Group

Tunisia vs Japan

20 Jun 2026 · 06:00

Upcoming matches

Group STAGE · Group

Japan vs Sweden

26 Jun 2026 · 01:00

Upcoming matches

Footlab Data

Japan National Team Profile - 2026 World Cup | Footlab Data

FIFA ranking #18 FIFA points · 1 660,43

Footlab Elo 1 613 Footlab rank · #13

Season: 2026

Group F

Group standings

Group F

#	Team	MJ	G	N	P	Diff	Pts
1	Sweden	0	0	0	0	0	0
2	Japan	0	0	0	0	0	0
3	Tunisia	0	0	0	0	0	0
4	Netherlands	0	0	0	0	0	0

Footlab Data

Statistiques détaillées

Tous les matchs Amicaux Tournois majeurs Qualifications Ligue des Nations

Matchs joués 0

Victoires 0,0%

Buts marqués / match 0,00

Buts encaissés / match 0,00

Clean sheets 0,0%

Les deux marquent 0,0%

+2.5 buts 0,0%

Points / match 0,00

Forme (5 matchs)

Couverture stats avancées 0,0%

Forme (10 matchs)

Footlab Data

Footlab profile

Compare with another team

Footlab Data

Japan National Team Profile - 2026 World Cup | Footlab Data

11 Apr 2026

Japan World Cup 2026: Data Analysis, Strengths, and Projection

Japan approaches the 2026 World Cup with a highly distinct and feared profile: elite physical intensity combined with flawless tactical discipline. After their stunning victories over Germany and Spain in 2022, the "Samurai Blue" are no longer just participants—they have established themselves as one of the most dangerous underdogs in international football.

Global Positioning

Japan is positioned as a solid outsider, capable of overturning any hierarchy through a system designed to punish opposition mistakes.

Status: Solid Outsider / AFC Leader
Projection: Round of 16 / Quarter-finals
Risk: Moderate (profile heavily dependent on transition efficiency)

Footlab Profile

Criteria	Level
Attacking Potential	Medium to High
Defensive Stability	High
Game Control	Medium
Consistency	High
Intensity / Pressing	Very High

Structural Strengths

Coordinated Pressing: Harassment capabilities that rank among the best in the tournament, stifling opposition buildup.
Execution Speed: Lightning-fast attack-to-defense transitions led by creative wingers (Mitoma, Kubo).
Collective Discipline: Rigorous adherence to tactical instructions that minimizes structural errors.
European Maturity: The vast majority of the starting lineup now plays in Europe's "Top 5" leagues.

Structural Weaknesses

Clinical Finishing: Occasionally lacks a "poacher" in the box to convert dominant spells into goals.
Tempo Management: Difficulty imposing a slow, controlled rhythm when opponents concede possession.
Physical Deficit: Can struggle physically against highly athletic and dense central defensive blocks.
Reaction Profile: Historically more effective as an underdog than as an expected favorite.

Tactical Brief

Japan relies on a dynamic system (4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3) focused on:

Offensive Phase: Maximum use of verticality and 1v1 situations on the flanks.
Defensive Phase: Compact mid-block capable of instantly shifting into a high press.
Identity: Perpetual motion football aimed at creating local numerical superiorities.

Match Typology

Vs Favorites: Ideal "Giant Killer" profile, excelling at exploiting spaces behind the line.
Vs Similar Teams: Highly open, fast-paced, and tactically volatile matches.
Vs Low Blocks: Relative difficulty in breaking down deep-sitting defenses without space to run.

2026 Key Performance Factors

Japan's success will primarily depend on:

their ability to convert clear-cut chances into goals
maintaining their physical intensity throughout the entire tournament
developing a "Plan B" for more composed play against defensive blocks

Footlab Projection

Japan possesses quarter-finalist potential. They are the team most capable of creating the tournament's major upset, making every clash against a heavyweight highly uncertain.

Projection: Round of 16 (Minimum target)
Alternative Scenario: Historic Quarter-final run if clinical in front of goal.

Betting Insights

✔️ High potential in "Underdog Win" markets against top-tier nations
✔️ Interesting for pressing-related bets (high ball recovery stats)
✔️ Reliable on transition quality (shots per match)
⚠️ High risk on low-odds straight wins (when playing as favorites)

Conclusion

Japan combines intensity, discipline, and explosiveness. They are the quintessential "anti-system" profile, making the Samurai Blue unpredictable and formidable for any title contender in 2026.

Offer

Unlock the Footlab analysis for Japan

The World Cup Pass opens match analysis, the comparator, the Expert Match Center and the dedicated dashboard to follow Japan throughout the World Cup.

Analytical tournament tracking with a simulated starting capital of EUR 100.
Access to groups, results and bracket as soon as they are available.
Comparator and dedicated modules reserved for pass holders.

Discover World Cup Pass Comparator

The World Cup home exposes the public base now. The World Cup Pass is the clean entry point for reserved modules to come.

International history

Matches from the last 4 years

31 Mar 2026 · 20:45

Friendlies · Friendly

England

Japan

0 - 1

28 Mar 2026 · 18:00

Friendlies · Friendly

Scotland

Japan

0 - 1

18 Nov 2025 · 11:15

Friendlies · Friendly

Japan

Bolivia

3 - 0

14 Nov 2025 · 11:20

Friendlies · Friendly

Japan

Ghana

2 - 0

14 Oct 2025 · 12:30

Friendlies · Friendly

Japan

Brazil

3 - 2

10 Oct 2025 · 12:20

Friendlies · Friendly

Japan

Paraguay

2 - 2

10 Sep 2025 · 01:30

Friendlies · Friendly

United States

Japan

2 - 0

07 Sep 2025 · 04:00

Friendlies · Friendly

Mexico

Japan

0 - 0

10 Jun 2025 · 12:35