Captain Wataru Endo has rallied Japan to shake off their recent struggles against Asian rivals and embark on a path towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The Samurai Blue, traditionally a dominant force in Asia, faced a tumultuous period earlier this year, including a disappointing quarterfinal exit at the Asian Cup in Qatar after a defeat to Iran. The 2022 World Cup qualifiers also proved challenging, with Japan experiencing a shocking home loss to Oman in the opening match of the third round and an early defeat away to Saudi Arabia.
As Japan kicks off their third qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup against China in Saitama, Liverpool midfielder Endo firmly believes that his team possesses the talent to make a strong start. “We remember losing the opening game of the World Cup qualifiers last time, and we also have the frustration from the Asian Cup,” Endo, who was linked with a move away from Anfield during the summer transfer window, said. “We know it’s not easy, but we don’t want to concentrate too much on negative things. We want to be positive.”
Japan finds itself in a demanding Group C alongside Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Australia. The top two teams in the group will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams will enter an additional round of qualifying.
Hajime Moriyasu, the Japan manager, welcomes the return of Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma to the squad. Mitoma has been sidelined since the Asian Cup due to injury. Moriyasu also has the option of including winger Junya Ito, who has been absent from the national team since leaving the Asian Cup squad. Ito was accused of sexual assault by a Japanese magazine, but charges were dropped against him earlier this month, and he has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
“Both of them are big weapons for the Japan team, no doubt about it,” said Moriyasu. “But it’s not just their qualities in attack. They also defend well and work hard for the team.”
As Japan prepares to face China in this crucial opening match, the team hopes to channel their determination and talent to secure a victory and set the stage for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
