Japan aims to reach quarter-finals at FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America; First quarter-final in eight World Cup appearances.

FIFA World Cup 2026: In-form Japan eyeing best-ever run - All players, full squad list, key stats and schedule

The nation is determined to break new ground by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time on their eighth appearance.

Since making their debut at France 1998,Japanhave not missed aFIFA World Cup.

They were the first non-host nation to book their spot in North America this summer, comfortably qualifying for their eighth consecutive finals by winning their Asian qualifying group.

Last time out at Qatar 2022, Japan impressed by beating internationalfootballpowerhouses Germany and Spain to top their group, before taking Croatia to penalties in the Round of 16.

This time around, they face theNetherlands,SwedenandTunisiaand arrive at the tournament full of confidence, having beaten England in a friendly at Wembley in March.

Here is everything you need to know about Japan.

FIFA World Cup: All teams, squads and players - complete list

Who are the big stars missing from the FIFA World Cup?

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World Cup appearances (including 2026):8

Best World Cup result:Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Japan’s full squad

Goalkeepers:Hayakawa Tomoki, Suzuki Zion, Osako Keisuke

Defenders:Nagatomo Yuto, Taniguchi Shogo, Tomiyasu Takehiro, Itakura Ko, Watanabe Tsuyoshi, Hiroki Ito, Suzuki Junnosuke, Seko Ayumu, Sugawara Yukinari

Midfielders & forwards:Kamada Daichi, Sano Kaishu, Tanaka Ao, Endo Wataru, Nakamura Keito, Doan Ritsu, Ito Junya, Kubo Takefusa, Suzuki Yuito, Ueda Ayase, Ogawa Koki, Maeda Daizen, Shiogai Kento, Goto Keisuke

Who are Japan’s stars to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Japan are captained by midfielderEndo Wataru, who starred in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart and now plies his trade in the Premier League with Liverpool.

Injured Brighton wingMitoma Kaoruwas left out while 39-year-old full-backNagatomo Yutois headed to his fifth consecutive World Cup.

Other Japanese stars in England’s top flight include Leeds United midfielderTanaka Aoand Crystal Palace midfielderKamada Daichi.

Feyenoord strikerUeda Ayaseis another of the team’s goal threats, while Ajax’s former Arsenal defenderTomiyasu Takehirooffers defensive solidity.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Japan’s group stage schedule

All times in Pacific Time (PDT)

14 June, 13:00 PDT - Netherlands vsJapan– Arlington, Texas (USA)

20 June, 21:00 PDT - Tunisia vsJapan– Guadalupe (MEX)

25 June, 16:00 PDT -Japanvs Sweden – Arlington, Texas (USA)

Picture by 2022 Getty Images

11 June - 19 July

Football | FIFA World Cup 2026| United States of America, Mexico & Canada