Japan's Moriyasu sets sights on World Cup success
Japan sets sights on World Cup title, aiming to build on historic wins over Germany and Spain in 2022 as they prepare for the 2026 tournament in North America.
Reuters
December 30, 2025
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Round of 16 - Bahrain v Japan - Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar - January 31, 2024 Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu during the match REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani/File Photo
Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters
Japan have never gone beyond the round of 16 at a World Cup but their coach Hajime Moriyasu on Tuesday (December 30) said the Samurai Blue have their sights set on winning next year's tournament in North America.
Japan, who in March became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, have reached the last 16 in three of the last four editions.
In Qatar in 2022, they beat Germany and Spain in the group stage before losing to Croatia on penalties.
The World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Japan are in Group F of the World Cup, where they will face the Netherlands, Tunisia and a playoff winner. Their opening match is set for June 14 against the Dutch in Dallas.
-Production: Irene Wang, Aadi Nair/Reuters
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