
Japan have won three of their last six matches, drawing two and losing one. They beat Tunisia 4-0, Iceland 1-0 and England 1-0. Draws came against Sweden (1-1) and the Netherlands (2-2). Brazil defeated them 2-1.
The side's most impressive performance was the demolition of Tunisia, where they scored four without reply. Victories over Iceland and England suggest they can win tight contests away from home. The two draws, particularly against the Netherlands, show they can compete with stronger opposition without necessarily breaking through.
The loss to Brazil remains the only blemish. Japan conceded twice in that match, indicating defensive vulnerability against top-tier attacks, though they did score themselves.
Across these six fixtures, Japan have shown attacking threat - they've found the net in every game - but consistency remains elusive. They've won when the opposition has been weaker or when matches have been decided by single goals. Against established European and South American sides, they've either drawn or lost. The pattern suggests a team capable of beating most opponents on their day but lacking the sustained control needed against elite competition.
From matches covered on Scoresque, not the team's full history.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Zion SuzukiJapan | Goalkeeper | |
| Shuichi GondaJapan | Goalkeeper | |
| Keisuke OsakoJapan | Goalkeeper | |
| Takehiro TomiyasuJapan | Defender | |
| Ko ItakuraJapan | Defender | |
| Yukinari SugawaraJapan | Defender | |
| Daiki HashiokaJapan | Defender | |
| Shogo TaniguchiJapan | Defender | |
| Hiroki ItoJapan | Defender | |
| Yuto NagatomoJapan | Defender | |
| Wataru EndoJapan | Midfielder | |
| Hidemasa MoritaJapan | Midfielder | |
| Ao TanakaJapan | Midfielder | |
| Daichi KamadaJapan | Midfielder | |
| Takefusa KuboJapan | Midfielder | |
| Kaoru MitomaJapan | Midfielder | |
| Ritsu DoanJapan | Midfielder | |
| Junya ItoJapan | Midfielder | |
| Takumi MinaminoJapan | Forward | |
| Ayase UedaJapan | Forward | |
| Kyogo FuruhashiJapan | Forward | |
| Koki OgawaJapan | Forward | |
| Reo HatateJapan | Midfielder | |
| Kaishu SanoJapan | Defender | |
| Shion HommaJapan | Forward | |
| Kento HashimotoJapan | Midfielder |
| Trophy | Won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| AFC Asian Cup | 4 | 1992-2011 |
Won the Asian Cup in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011, the most successful nation in the competition's history
Qualified for every World Cup from 1998 to 2022
Reached the knockout stage as co-hosts, their first ever advance past the group stage
Advanced from the group stage in South Africa under coach Takeshi Okada
Topped a group including Colombia and Senegal before falling to Belgium
Defeated both Germany and Spain in the group stage in Qatar
Finished as runners-up on home soil, losing the final to France
Lost the final to Qatar despite being favourites
Won the regional East Asian Cup tournament multiple times
Regularly won Japan's own invitational Kirin Cup tournament over the decades