Japan's Soccer Team Eyes 2026 World Cup Win After Brazil Victory

Japan's Samurai Blue soccer team is heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with something they've never had before: a victory over Brazil and genuine belief they can win it all.

The national team shocked the soccer world in October 2025 by beating Brazil for the first time in 14 attempts, bringing their all-time record against the South American powerhouse to one win, two draws, and 11 losses. Now, with the World Cup kicking off June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, manager Hajime Moriyasu says his squad is ready to compete with anyone.

"Our players have already reached that level," Moriyasu told Japanese media in a recent interview. "We already have a vision of playing against the world's top players on an equal basis."

The confidence comes from more than one historic win. Japan dominated its Asian qualifying tournament and has shown steady improvement in international friendlies. Moriyasu, who also led the team at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, says players now understand tactics more broadly and can make plays that frustrate opponents.

Japan faces the Netherlands in its opening match, a team packed with individually talented players. But Moriyasu isn't worried about a tough start, pointing out that Argentina lost its first match in 2022 to Saudi Arabia before winning the entire tournament.

Why This Inspires

What makes this team special goes beyond talent. Moriyasu credits a culture of self-sacrifice among his players, where those who don't start every game still give their best for the team. "Japanese players are not only proud of themselves but also willing to contribute to the team," he said.

The manager has tested many players throughout qualifying, building depth that could prove crucial in a tournament requiring eight wins to lift the trophy. He believes Japanese players have a unique ability to quickly connect and complement each other, making lineup changes less disruptive than on other national teams.

When asked what single word describes his hopes for 2026, Moriyasu chose the Japanese character for "victory." The team has officially set its sights on winning the World Cup by 2050, but why wait? "We firmly believe that we are engaged in activities to win now," he said.

Japan's journey from perpetual underdog to legitimate contender shows what's possible when talent meets teamwork and unwavering belief.