The Japan national team has advanced to the next stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after drawing 1-1 with Sweden in their final group stage match. Manager Moriyasu said, "We wanted to win and top the group, but finishing second has its positives in terms of playing conditions."

The Group Stage Battle

The Japan national team finished the group stage with a record of three wins, one draw, and one loss. In their last five matches, they have three wins, one draw, and one loss (WWWDL), and are currently on a three-match winning streak. Their last match was a 3-0 win over Bolivia on November 18, 2025.

Pre-Tournament Training in Monterrey

The Japan national team began their pre-tournament training in Monterrey on June 1. Monterrey has a hot and humid climate, and the official training facility is about an hour away from the hotel by bus. However, the team adapted to this environment and performed well in the group stage.

The Team's Strength

The Japan national team's strength comes from their experience in eight FIFA World Cup appearances. The team will use the experience they gained in the group stage to aim for victory in the next stage.

DateOpponentResult
November 18, 2025Bolivia3-0 win

The Next Match

The Japan national team's next match is the round of 16. The team will use the experience they gained in the group stage to aim for victory.