Samurai Blue · Group F
Japan are Asia's standard-bearers, having qualified for every World Cup since 1998 and stunned Germany and Spain in 2022. Coached by Hajime Moriyasu, the Samurai Blue boast a deep pool of European-based talent. They are determined to finally reach the quarter-finals.
Key squad members (selected). Full match-day squads update from the live feed.
Japan's narrow last-32 exit to Brazil marked their fifth straight World Cup knockout defeat, underscoring a persistent barrier at the world stage. The heartbreak has intensified calls for new leadership and tactical evolution. Can the Samurai Blue shake off their knockout blues and finally reach football's higher echelons?
Brazil overcame a spirited Japan side in the Round of 32, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory to advance to the next stage of the World Cup. The match was finely balanced until the dying moments, underscoring the grit and determination both teams brought to the knockout tie.
Brazil, historically a World Cup powerhouse, have found themselves second to Japan in Group C following a string of competitive fixtures. With a win and a draw so far, the Seleção face an anxious wait to see if their campaign can be revived. The group’s final standings could spell an early end for Carlo Ancelotti’s men if results don’t go their way.
Brazil and Japan will meet in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both seeking to extend impressive group-stage form. The Seleção's attacking power will be tested by Japan's resilience and tactical discipline. Expect a fiercely contested battle as both sides look to book a place in the tournament's last 16.
Canada's historic World Cup continues as they progress to the Round of 16 with a hard-fought victory over South Africa. With the knockout bracket beginning to take shape, anticipation builds for the upcoming clash between Brazil and Japan in Group C action.
Japan and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw that secured both sides a spot in the World Cup knockout phase. Japan guaranteed a runners-up finish in Group F, while Sweden navigated a tricky path into the last 32. The result sets up a Japan-versus-Brazil blockbuster in Houston, while Sweden awaits a formidable round-of-32 opponent.
Japan and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw in their final Group F fixture, a result that confirms advancement for both teams to the knockout stage. With each side having impressed earlier in the group, the point apiece reflects a closely-contested clash and sets up intriguing paths for the tournament's business end.
Sweden and Japan played out a gripping 1-1 draw in their final Group F match, a result that sends both sides into the World Cup round of 16. Sweden's powerful group-stage campaign and Japan's consistent performances see them survive a fiercely contested group.
The conclusion of Group F sees the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden all clinch progression to the World Cup knockout stage, following an action-packed round-robin. Each team impressed with attacking displays and resilience, leaving Tunisia as the odd one out.
Sweden and Japan produced an entertaining 2-2 draw in Group F, highlighted by Anthony Elanga’s spectacular equalizing goal. The result keeps both nations firmly in contention for the knockout stages as Group F continues to deliver high-scoring drama.
As the FIFA World Cup Group F continues to unfold, Japan and Sweden prepare for a crucial encounter that could determine their knockout round hopes. Both teams have shown attacking prowess, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. The fixture promises tactical intrigue and key battles across the pitch.
Japan delivered a statement performance in Group F, defeating Tunisia 4-0 to mark the tournament's 1,000th World Cup match. A dynamic attacking display highlighted the gulf between the sides, as Japan's movement and finishing proved decisive against a Tunisia squad still seeking answers under new management.
Japan delivered a statement performance in Group F, dispatching Tunisia 4-0 and securing a strong position at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The defeat leaves Tunisia eliminated, while Japan's clinical display underlines their progression ambitions.
Japan stormed to a 4-0 victory over Tunisia, cementing their place among the Group F front-runners and ending Tunisia’s hopes in the tournament. The win underscores Japan’s attacking prowess, while newly appointed Tunisia boss Hervé Renard faces the challenge of rebuilding after a tough debut.
A tense Group F World Cup meeting between Japan and Tunisia saw goalline technology steal the spotlight, as Japan were agonizingly close to doubling their lead. Tunisia’s keeper, Aymen Dahmen, produced a crucial save to keep his side in contention, with the technology confirming the ball hadn't fully crossed the line.
Tunisia will face Japan in a pivotal Group F match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both teams eager to secure three points after their opening results. With Sweden and Netherlands already showing their class, Tunisia and Japan have little margin for error in their pursuit of progression.
The favourites dominate the headlines, but World Cups are often defined by the teams nobody expected. We look at four dark horses for 2026, Morocco, Croatia, Uruguay and Japan, and why each could go further than the bookmakers suggest.