Japan Emerge as Dark Horse World Cup Contenders
Japan’s 4-0 demolition of Tunisia signals they mean serious business in North America.
Blue Samurai Serve Notice in Emphatic Fashion
Nobody had Japan circled in red heading into the 2026 World Cup. But the Blue Samurai have served notice in emphatic fashion across their opening two matches in North America. A composed 2-2 draw against a Netherlands side brimming with Champions League winners was followed by a ruthless 4-0 dismantling of Tunisia that left neutrals doing a double-take. Japan are not here to make up the numbers.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has sculpted a side that marries steel-trap defensive organization with rapid, incisive counter-attacks. Against Tunisia, Takuma Asano, Ao Tanaka, and the electric Keito Nakamura combined in a performance that resembled a top-tier European side on their best day. The 4-0 scoreline was no fluke — Japan dominated possession and created chance after chance with crisp, flowing football.
Sweden Test Looms Before Knockout Stage
A final group showdown against Sweden awaits on June 25, and Japan know a win locks up top spot in Group F. With Takefusa Kubo operating at the peak of his powers and Mitoma tormenting defenses down the left channel, opposing coaches will be drawing up special plans. A side that was a quarter-finalist in Qatar 2022 has genuine ambitions of going deeper this time.
Japan’s World Cup 2026 story is only just beginning. If Moriyasu’s warriors can maintain this ferocity into the knockout rounds, they could end up the tournament’s most dangerous and thrilling surprise package.
