Samurai Blue meets Minister Matsumoto – pledging a push for the 2026 World Cup

Samurai Blue paid a courtesy visit to Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Yohei Matsumoto on July 8, and coach Hajime Moriyasu declared, "A day will come when we can win the world title." The team shifted focus right after the Brazil loss.

Why is this visit significant?

Moriyasu explained, "I don’t want to go home early; I want to fight until the final on the 19th." The minister praised the squad’s fearless approach against powerhouses like the Netherlands and Brazil, presenting signed jerseys. Boosted domestic support is expected to lift player morale.

What do the recent results show?

Japan’s latest official match was a 3-0 victory over Bolivia on November 18, 2025 (Last result: Japan 3-0 Bolivia (2025-11-18)). The last five games read WWWDL, meaning the team is on a three‑match winning streak. While the attack clicks, defensive stability remains a talking point, and improvements are needed for the next fixtures.

What did captain Takuma Asano say?

AFC Ajax forward Takuma Asano said, "Waking up early to watch the game makes me angry, but that fuels me," echoing the squad’s fighting spirit. His leadership is expected to ripple through younger players, raising performance for the upcoming tournament.

What’s next and the message to fans?

The Japan Football Association is focusing on player development and tactical training to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Fans are urged to keep cheering, as domestic and overseas support will be vital. The next knockout match is set for July 19, marking a fresh chapter for Samurai Blue.