π―π΅ Japan
World Cup 2026 | Group F | Power rating | World rank #17
About Japan
Japan are the standard-bearers of Asian football. An AFC side, they enter the 2026 World Cup rated 1872 -17th of the 48 teams -in Group F.
Regular qualifiers who have reached the Round of 16 several times and beaten major nations. Technical, disciplined and quick, with slick passing and a relentless work rate.
Drawn alongside Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia, their toughest group test on paper is the meeting with Netherlands. The model lists them 2nd in the group and to reach the Round of 16.
Detailed team profile
Overview
Japan arrive as Asia's most consistent modern World Cup team, with a technically polished and increasingly ambitious squad.
World Cup history
Japan are making an eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, having qualified for every tournament since 1998. They have reached the Round of 16 four times but are still chasing a first quarter-final.
Recent form
Japan were the first team to qualify for WC26 after sealing an AFC berth with a win over Bahrain.
2026 World Cup angle
Group F gives Japan a clear chance to test whether they can move from dangerous outsider to knockout-stage regular. Their key challenge is turning tempo and technical control into finishing consistency against elite defenses.
Group-stage results & analysis
| Match | Score | Japan model share |
|---|---|---|
| vs π³π± Netherlands FT | 2 : 2 | -- |
| vs πΉπ³ Tunisia FT | 4 : 0 | -- |
| vs πΈπͺ Sweden FT | 1 : 1 | -- |