(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Japan Aims for 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, Says JFA Chief Miyamoto
November 11, 2025
Japan is setting its sights high for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to reach the final for the first time in history, according to Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, president of the Japan Football Association (JFA).
Although Japan has never advanced beyond the Round of 16 at a World Cup, Miyamoto expressed confidence in the team’s growing talent and experience as the country prepares for the first 48-team tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“The players are all playing football in Europe, in the Champions League, the Premier League, and the Bundesliga, and they know how to play against the world’s best teams and players,” said Miyamoto, a former national team captain.
“This confidence will allow us to show something new on the world stage. Our goal is to prepare the team to reach the level we aspire to.”
A Team Packed with Talent
Japan qualified for the 2026 World Cup in March 2025, becoming the first team to secure a spot. The squad includes key players competing at top European clubs, such as Wataru Endo (Liverpool) and Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt).
Their first-ever win against five-time world champions Brazil in a recent friendly has further fueled their ambition for the tournament.
Learning from Experience
Japan has participated in every World Cup since 1998, but has yet to reach the quarter-finals. South Korea came closest in 2002, reaching the semifinals on home soil.
Miyamoto highlighted that experience gained in previous tournaments is a major advantage:
“Players who participated in 2022 and earlier World Cups can share their experiences with newer players. This helps the team handle pressure and perform at a higher level.”
Coach Moriyasu’s Perspective
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu believes Japan may not be outright favorites to win the World Cup, but reaching the final is within the realm of possibility. The squad is expected to feature at least 10 players from the 2022 tournament, ensuring a blend of experience and fresh talent.
“We’re not real favorites to win yet, but we might have a chance to reach the final,” Miyamoto said.
“Every new chapter offers opportunities, and the team is ready to embrace them.”
Looking Ahead
With a squad full of players performing at the highest level in Europe and a mix of experience and youth, Japan is poised to make a major impact at the 2026 World Cup. Fans will be watching closely as the Samurai Blue aim to rewrite history on the global stage.
