Japan Eyes World Cup Win After Historic Wins Over Brazil

Japan's soccer team isn't just hoping to compete at the 2026 World Cup. They're planning to win the whole thing.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu has set an ambitious target after his team pulled off two stunning victories last year. Japan came back from two goals down to beat five-time champion Brazil 3-2 in Tokyo, marking their first win against the powerhouse. Then they became the first Asian team ever to defeat England, claiming a 1-0 victory at Wembley Stadium in March.

The confidence surge comes despite losing star winger Kaoru Mitoma to a hamstring injury just days before the squad announcement. Brighton's Mitoma had been in peak form, scoring the winner against England after dispossessing a defender and finishing his own counter-attack.

But Moriyasu isn't worried. His squad features only three players from Japan's domestic league, with the rest playing for top European clubs. Liverpool's Wataru Endo, Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada, and Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo bring world-class experience to the roster.

Japan was the first team to qualify for the tournament, breezing through with seven wins in 10 games. Half the squad also played in Qatar 2022, where they shocked both Germany and Spain with 2-1 victories before falling to Croatia on penalties in the round of 16.

The team has never reached a World Cup quarterfinal despite qualifying for eight straight tournaments since 1998. They've advanced to the round of 16 four times but always hit a wall.

Why This Inspires

What makes Japan's ambition special isn't blind optimism. It's earned confidence backed by real results. When Moriyasu's team beat Brazil, Mitoma wasn't even playing, proving their depth goes beyond individual stars.

The coach, Japan's longest-serving in the role since 2018, has built something bigger than talent alone. He's created a team concept where any player can step in and perform. That mentality shift from hoping to compete to expecting to win represents a transformation years in the making.

Japan opens their campaign against the Netherlands in Dallas on June 14, facing a tough Group F that includes Sweden and Tunisia.

Moriyasu's message to his players after those historic wins speaks volumes: they quickly shifted focus to "a bigger goal ahead."