🇯🇵
World Cup 2026 · Group F · FIFA #18
Japan
- Group
- F
- FIFA Rank
- #18
- Pot
- 2
- Formation
- 4-2-3-1
Group F · Pre-tournament line
Sorted by Pot then FIFA ranking. Click any opponent for their team page.
| # | Team | FIFA | Pot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | #7 | 1 |
| 2 | 🇯🇵 Japan | #18 | 2 |
| 3 | 🇸🇪 Sweden | #38 | 3 |
| 4 | 🇹🇳 Tunisia | #44 | 4 |
Japan's World Cup 2026 fixtures
All three group-stage matches with venue, kickoff time and broadcast routing.
Matchday 1 · 20:00 UTC
🇳🇱 Netherlands vs 🇯🇵 Japan
Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)
· Arlington · capacity 80,000 · climate-controlled · city guide →
Broadcast: FOX · Telemundo (US) · See Netherlands's team page →
Matchday 2 · 04:00 UTC (next day)
🇹🇳 Tunisia vs 🇯🇵 Japan
Monterrey Stadium (Estadio BBVA)
· Guadalupe · capacity 51,000 · city guide →
Broadcast: FOX · Telemundo (US) · See Tunisia's team page →
Matchday 3 · 23:00 UTC
🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇸🇪 Sweden
Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)
· Arlington · capacity 80,000 · climate-controlled · city guide →
Broadcast: FOX · Telemundo (US) · See Sweden's team page →
Tactical snapshot
Formation
4-2-3-1 ↔ 3-4-2-1 vs possession sides
Pivot
Wataru Endo
Attacking focus
Takefusa Kubo · Ritsu Dōan
Identity
Kubo–Dōan inside-forward axis, Endo–Tanaka double pivot
Japan squad · 26
Provisional 2026 World Cup squad. Tap any player for their profile.
Head coach
Hajime Moriyasu
Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu has led the Samurai Blue since 2018, reaching the knockout stage in 2022 with wins over Germany and Spain. He favours a flexible, high-pressing system built on Japan's deep pool of European-based talent.
Goalkeepers 3
Defenders 9
Midfielders 10
Forwards 4
Japan at the World Cup
| First appearance | Total appearances | Best finish |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 8 (incl. 2026) | Round of 16 · 4× champion |
How to watch Japan
United States: FOX · Telemundo
Home market: NHK · TV Asahi
For the full broadcast schedule see our Match Centre →.
Read more about Japan
Japan World Cup 2026 — FAQ
When does Japan play their first World Cup 2026 match?
Japan's tournament begins Jun 14, 2026 against Netherlands at Dallas Stadium, Arlington (20:00 UTC).
Who is Japan's coach at World Cup 2026?
Hajime Moriyasu.
What group is Japan in at the 2026 World Cup?
Group F with Netherlands, Sweden, Tunisia.
What is Japan's FIFA ranking heading into the 2026 World Cup?
#18 in the April 2026 FIFA Men's World Ranking, drawn into Pot 2.
Has Japan ever reached a World Cup Round of 16?
Japan's best finish is Round of 16, reached 4 times. They have appeared at 8 World Cups including 2026.
Who is Japan's captain at World Cup 2026?
Wataru Endo.
Where can I watch Japan's World Cup 2026 matches?
FOX · Telemundo in the United States; NHK · TV Asahi in Japan.