Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo celebrates scoring for Japan against Bahrain in Saitama, Japan, on March 20. AFP
Japan has never gone beyond the last 16 at a World Cup, but it has set itself the ambitious target of winning next year's tournament after dominating in Asian qualifying.
Hajime Moriyasu's side became the first team to punch its ticket to the 2026 competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico when it beat Bahrain 2-0 on March 20 in Saitama.
With its place sealed, it followed that up with a 0-0 home draw with Saudi Arabia last week, giving it 20 points from eight games with 24 goals scored and two conceded in the third phase of Asian qualifiers. Japan is ranked 15th in the FIFA rankings, and Moriyasu and his players firmly believe they can become the first Asian team to lift the World Cup next summer.
Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma attempts a shot in the same match. AP
"We're aiming to win it," said Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada, one of five English Premier League players in the squad.
"That's what we all keep saying. Our goal is to win the World Cup."
The Samurai Blue have reached the last 16 at FIFA's marquee tournament four times since making its debut appearance in 1998.
It stunned Germany and Spain to reach the knockout stage at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, but lost on penalties to Croatia.
"That showed us that we had a chance, which was a big thing for me," said Moriyasu.
With a squad littered with star players from top European sides, Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu believes that his team is more than capable of challenging for the World Cup title next year. AFP
"The Japan Football Association has been saying that we want to win the World Cup by 2050, and we are taking on the challenge to improve so that we can make it happen."
Moriyasu knows that his team is not there yet, and said it has to "improve in every department "before heading to North America.
Europe-based talent
He can call on more Europe-based players than ever, with 11 appearing in this season's UEFA Champions League.
Captain Wataru Endo has become an important member of Liverpool's squad, while Kaoru Mitoma has developed into one of the best wingers in the Premier League at Brighton.
Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo is one of the best attackers in the Spanish league.
Japan has more strength in depth than ever before, but Endo says there is no friction between players competing for starting places.
"We all have to think about what's best for the team and everyone understands that," he said.
"I think that's a particular strong point among Japanese people. I think Japan are the strongest when it comes to team unity."
Japan's Takumi Minamino, who plies his trade at French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, challenges Bahrain's Hamad Al-Shamsan during a World Cup qualifier on March 20. REUTERS
Japan has often performed best at World Cups when expectations have been low.
It narrowly lost to Belgium in the last 16 at the 2018 tournament in Russia, just two months after firing its coach.
It went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil confident that it could make a splash, but returned home early after a dismal display in the group stage.
Defender Yuto Nagatomo, who has played at a record four World Cups, said: "We have improved, but if you overestimate your own ability, and are too pleased with yourself, that's when it all starts to fall apart."
The 38-year-old, who has won 142 caps for Japan, added: "I personally experienced that at the World Cup in Brazil, and I think that's the danger.
"It's OK for everyone to know that they are good players, but you have to back it up every day in training."
Japan cannot be accused of lacking ambition, with Endo calling for fans to buy into their goal of winning the World Cup in an on-pitch address after sealing qualification.
That may be seen as unrealistic by some, but as Spain and Germany found out in Qatar, Japan is a threat.
"What's important from this point is not the results, but the process," said Endo.
"Until now, we've been trying to qualify, so we've needed to get results.
"If we want to win the World Cup, how we use our time between now and next summer's tournament is crucial."
AFP
