Japan actually became the very first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after winning six of their first seven matches during the third round of qualifying. It followed a perfect record in Round 2 with six wins out of six, and they went on to score 54 goals in just 16 games. They have reached the Round of 16 stage in their last 2 campaigns, with their last campaign being the most impressive after finishing above both Spain and Germany in Group E, but they were eventually defeated on penalties to Croatia. Recent friendly wins against Scotland and England, where they kept clean sheets in both, will have further boosted their confidence following victory in the EAFF E1 Football Championship in 2025 also. Much like 2022 though, they have been placed in a tough group despite the increase in nations taking part, but the highest ranked side in Asia will be one that few sides will want to take on.