The Japan national football team, also known by the nickname Samurai Blue, represents Japan in men's international football. It is controlled by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for
The 1998 World Cup match vs. Argentina in Toulouse, France
The 2002 World Cup match vs. Belgium at Saitama Stadium 2002 on 4 June
Japan against Brazil at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany in the 2006 FIFA World Cup
Keisuke Honda was one of Japan's most successful national team players of the 2010s, playing in three World Cups and winning the MVP at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the 23rd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men's soccer championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. The tournament began on
Japan national football team
…Asia's leading teams. The national team has qualified for every FIFA World Cup since 1998, advancing to the knockout stage in 2002, 2010, 2018, 2022 and 2026 being the most knockout appearances of any team in Asia. Since their first World Cup appearance in 1998, Japan has not received a single red card, which…
From left to right, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, U.S. president Donald Trump, Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian prime minister Mark Carney at the start of the draw.
Inside Estadio Azteca during the Mexican opening ceremony prior to the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium
Left to right: Young Player Award winner Pau Cubarsí, Golden Ball winner Rodri, and Golden Glove winner Unai Simón.