Could Japan be the dark horses of the 2026 World Cup? It's a question that's been on many football fans' minds as the tournament expands to 48 teams, offering more opportunities for surprise packages. And Japan certainly has the ingredients to be one of them.
The Samurai Blue made a splash in 2022, topping Group E and defeating both Germany and Spain. But their journey ended in heartbreak at the round-of-16 stage, a familiar feeling for a nation that has reached this stage four times before. Now, with a new World Cup cycle, Japan is aiming higher than ever.
The team's success is built on a blend of individual talent, recent form, and a wealth of experience. Manager Hajime Moriyasu has a squad that includes players like Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka, who have been instrumental in Japan's rise. The team's qualifying campaign was near-perfect, and they are now one of the most intriguing outsiders in the competition.
Maya Yoshida, a former captain and now a support player, believes Japan can reach unprecedented heights. "For me, reaching the quarter-finals is the main goal," she said. "Anything beyond that would be a bonus."
Yoshida's confidence is shared by Moriyasu, who has set his sights on World Cup glory. "My goal is for the team to be one of the best of the best," he told World Soccer Magazine. "We have raised our level little by little through our national team activity."
The team's success is also driven by the increasing number of players featuring regularly in Europe's top leagues. Yoshida notes that this experience is a huge difference, allowing Japan to compete with some of FIFA's top-ranked nations. "Of course, now more players play in Europe, especially high-level European competitions," she said.
But Japan isn't alone in its quest for surprise success. Mexico, Ecuador, Turkey, and South Korea have all been tipped as outsiders to watch. Former England striker Chris Sutton backs Japan, along with Ecuador, while former Scotland international Rachel Corsie highlights Turkey as a team to watch. Former England and Manchester City defender Stephen Houghton also believes Japan can emerge as a dark horse.
As the tournament unfolds, Japan's journey will be one to watch. With a blend of talent, experience, and a growing reputation, they are a team that could defy the odds and make a deep run in the World Cup. It's a story that promises to be as captivating as any of the top-tier nations.
