The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with an expanded field of 48 teams creating an even more diverse and unpredictable landscape. Among the potential dark horses, Japan stands out as a team with the talent, experience, and recent form to make a deep run.
Japan's journey to the World Cup has been impressive, with a near-perfect qualifying campaign and a squad brimming with confidence. The Samurai Blue have already proven their mettle by defeating top-ranked teams like England, Germany, and Brazil in recent friendlies. This success can be attributed, in part, to the increasing number of Japanese players plying their trade in Europe's top leagues, gaining valuable experience against top-tier opposition.
One of the key strengths of this Japanese side is its blend of youth and experience. Nineteen of the 26 players in Qatar are World Cup debutants, yet they have set their sights high, with manager Hajime Moriyasu aiming for nothing less than World Cup glory. This ambitious mindset, coupled with the leadership of veterans like Maya Yoshida, creates a potent mix of talent and determination.
"For me, reaching the quarter-finals is the main goal. We've never experienced that stage before, so it's a huge motivation," Yoshida told BBC Sport. "The players have had winning the World Cup in their sights from the start, and that ambition has driven their improvement."
Japan's recent success against European opposition is a promising sign. They are currently unbeaten in their last nine matches against European teams, including a memorable victory over Germany in the 2022 World Cup. This record, combined with their impressive qualifying campaign, suggests that Japan could be a real threat in Group F, which also includes Sweden and Tunisia.
"Japan's ability to compete with some of the top-ranked nations is a testament to the progress they've made," said former England striker Chris Sutton. "They have excellent technical players and will be dangerous opponents for anyone."
While Japan is not the only team with the potential to surprise, their recent form and ambitious mindset make them a compelling dark horse candidate. As the tournament unfolds, it will be fascinating to see if the Samurai Blue can live up to their own high expectations and write a new chapter in their footballing history.
