Could Japan be the World Cup’s dark horses?
Could Japan be the World Cup s – The FIFA World Cup, a stage where underdogs often rise to prominence, has seen nations like Morocco, Russia, and Costa Rica defy expectations in recent editions. These teams, once considered unlikely contenders, have carved out memorable runs in the knockout stages, proving that surprise victories are not just possible but inevitable. This summer, with the tournament expanded to 48 teams, the potential for unexpected stories has never been greater. Among the nations eyeing an improbable journey, Japan stands out as a compelling narrative. Their blend of tactical discipline, recent success, and growing experience in global competitions has positioned them as one of the most intriguing outsiders in this year’s tournament.
A Legacy of Resilience
In the 2022 World Cup, Japan demonstrated their ability to compete with the best. They topped Group E with wins against Germany and Spain, before drawing with Croatia in the round of 16 in a thrilling 1-1 clash. Though they ultimately fell to penalties, their performance earned them a reputation as a team capable of challenging European giants. This time around, the Samurai Blue face a new challenge: Group F, which also includes Sweden and Tunisia. Their opening match against the Netherlands on Sunday night marks a pivotal moment, with fans and analysts alike eager to see if this squad can replicate the momentum of their last campaign.
Japan’s current squad, led by manager Hajime Moriyasu, is a testament to their evolution. Moriyasu, 57, has set ambitious goals for the team, declaring in an interview with World Soccer Magazine that his vision is to lead them to World Cup glory. “We have raised our level little by little through national team activity,” he explained. “The task is to bring out the best in the players, even when injuries strike.” This philosophy has been validated by their recent form, with the team remaining unbeaten in nine matches against European opponents. Such consistency has raised eyebrows, suggesting that Japan’s squad is not only prepared but also primed for a deep run in this year’s competition.
Building a Foundation for Success
Maya Yoshida, the 37-year-old former Southampton defender and Japan’s captain in 2022, believes the current squad has the potential to achieve unprecedented success. As a non-playing “support player” for this tournament, Yoshida’s role is to provide leadership from the sidelines. In a
interview with BBC Sport, he stated, “For me, reaching the quarter-finals — a stage we’ve never reached or even experienced before — is the main goal. Anything beyond that would be a bonus.”
His comments reflect the team’s realistic yet ambitious mindset, balancing confidence with the understanding that the World Cup is a grueling test of skill and resilience.
The squad’s strength is rooted in its depth and experience. Moriyasu highlighted that 19 of the 26 players in Qatar were making their debut at the World Cup, forming the core of Japan’s Asian qualifiers campaign. These players, many of whom now play in Europe’s top leagues, have brought a new level of professionalism and tactical awareness to the team. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure is a key factor in Japan’s rising stature. “Every player now competes with or against World Cup-level talent on a regular basis,” Yoshida noted. “That experience is a huge difference.”
Yoshida’s own career mirrors Japan’s progression. Starting at VVV Venlo, a Dutch league team, he was once an underdog in European football. Today, his reputation as a reliable defender has grown, and his insights into the team’s development are invaluable. He credited older stars like Shunsuke Nakamura, Hidetoshi Nakata, and Shinji Ono for paving the way, creating opportunities for younger players to step up. “These guys opened the door, and our generation started to break through,” he said. “Now the door is even wider.”
Qualifying with Near-Perfection
Japan’s journey to this World Cup has been almost flawless. They secured their place as the first non-host nation to qualify for the finals, achieving this through a campaign that was both consistent and dominant. This success has bolstered their confidence, with Moriyasu emphasizing that the team has been focused on long-term growth. “They have had World Cup victory in their sights all along,” he said. “And they have maintained the mentality to keep improving toward that goal.”
Their performance since the 2022 exit has further solidified this belief. Defeating England and Germany, as well as Brazil, Japan has shown they are not just a team that can compete with Europe’s elite — they can overcome them. These results have raised questions about whether the Samurai Blue could challenge for the title this time, particularly with their squad now brimming with talent and experience. Players like Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace and Ao Tanaka of Leeds United are part of this new wave, contributing to a national team that has become increasingly formidable.
Moriyasu’s approach to the tournament is both strategic and aspirational. He acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic about his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. “We do have a lot of injuries, but we have also proven that we can produce our best regardless of who plays,” he said. This adaptability has been a hallmark of Japan’s recent success, allowing them to maintain competitiveness even when key players are unavailable. The manager’s confidence is not unfounded; the squad’s blend of youth and experience, coupled with their recent victories, suggests they are well-prepared for the global stage.
As the tournament kicks off, Japan’s focus on the quarter-finals serves as a benchmark for their ambitions. While the road to glory is fraught with challenges, their performance in 2022 and the progress made since then have positioned them as serious contenders. With a squad that includes seasoned veterans and emerging talents, they are not just hoping to make an impact — they are aiming to redefine what is possible for a nation that has long been viewed as a mid-tier force. Whether they can achieve this remains to be seen, but the signs are encouraging. As Yoshida put it, “We have the players, the strategy, and the mindset to go further than ever before.”
While Japan is a standout, other teams like Mexico, Ecuador, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia also have the potential to create upsets. However, the Samurai Blue’s combination of tactical cohesion, recent form, and a manager who has clearly set his sights on history makes them the most talked-about dark horse. Their story is not just about overcoming odds — it’s about evolving into a force that can challenge the traditional powerhouses of world football. If they can replicate the success of 2022 and build upon it, they may well be the team that steals the spotlight this summer.
