Qualifying updates, milestone announcements, friendly match details, and the journey to the 2026 World Cup.
Wataru Endo's injury meant Japan had to look for a replacement before their first game. The lucky name to be called up was the forward player Shūto Machino. In addition to being dropped from the squad Wataru Endo also retired from international football.
Japan produced a stunning comeback to snatch a draw against the Netherlands in their Group F opener. Trailing 2-1 with minutes remaining after Van Dijk and Summerville had put the Dutch in front, Daichi Kamada rose to head home an 88th-minute equaliser and rescue a point. The Blue Samurai showed tremendous resilience to deny one of the tournament favourites all three points.
Japan finished second in Group F to qualify for the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.