World Cup
Japan at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Manager & Group Guide
Everything you need to know about Japan ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with William Hill News profiling their chances this summer.
Now an experience World Cup manager, Hajime Moriyasu will hope that he’s found the formula to allow his talented, well-drilled Japan team to punch above its weight. The expectation is that they’ll escape Group F – perhaps as winners if the Dutch slip up – and get to the Last 16.
- These are the current Japan World Cup odds at William Hill
- Take on your mates and play Final One Standing: WC26 Edition this summer
World Cup 2026 Group & Fixtures
| Schedule | Teams and Fixtures |
|---|---|
| Opponents | Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia |
| Match 1 | Japan vs Netherlands — 14/06/2026 / venue: AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium), Arlington, Texas |
| Match 2 | Japan vs Tunisia — 21/06/2026 / venue: Estadio BBVA (Estadio Monterrey), Guadalupe, Mexico |
| Match 3 | Japan vs Sweden — 26/06/2026 / venue: AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium), Arlington, Texas |
Japan 2026 World Cup FAQs:
Who is Japan’s manager at the World Cup 2026?
Hajime Moriyasu is the manager of Japan at the 2026 World Cup. He’s one of the longest-serving managers at the tournament, having been in the job since August 2018.
How did Japan qualify for the World Cup 2026?
Japan qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning Group C with 23 points in ten games during the AFC Third Round.
Who are Japan’s key players?
With Kaoru Mitoma ruled out of the tournament through injury, Japan will lean on a wealth of European-based experience, including Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, Daizen Maeda, Ritsu Doan, and Takefusa Kubo.
What is Japan’s World Cup history?
Japan’s World Cup history begins with a 1998 Group Stage exit. Since then, Japan have qualified for every World Cup, reaching the Last 16 on four occasions.
- Japan odds to win the World Cup: 50/1 at William Hill.
Learn More About World Cup Group F Teams:
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
