Japan’s national football team is setting its sights high for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Wataru Endo expressing confidence in their ability to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Following their successful qualification for the tournament, Endo urged fans to embrace this ambitious goal, believing that Japan has the potential to go beyond their historical best of reaching the Round of 16.
Japan secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory against Bahrain in the AFC Asian Qualifiers. Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured the team’s dominant performance, marking six wins and one draw from seven matches in the third round of the qualifiers.
The victory guarantees Japan’s eighth consecutive appearance at the World Cup, an achievement that Endo acknowledged as a significant milestone.
Speaking to fans after the match, Endo stressed the importance of having high expectations and shared his hope that the supporters would also believe in the team’s capacity to win the prestigious tournament.
He emphasised that the aim is not merely to qualify but to genuinely compete at the highest level and make a mark on the world stage.
Japan’s steady presence in the World Cup has established a sense of expectation among fans, with many now viewing qualification as a standard achievement.
However, Endo believes that the time has come to take the next step — not just to participate but to challenge the best teams in the world.
Looking ahead, Japan will face Saudi Arabia at home before concluding their qualification campaign with matches against Australia and Indonesia in June. Crystal Palace forward Daichi Kamada, who scored one of the goals against Bahrain, echoed Endo’s sentiment.
He highlighted the need for individual growth and teamwork to elevate the team’s overall performance. Kamada noted that the evolving nature of modern football demands more than just the starting eleven, and depth in the squad could play a crucial role in achieving their ambitious targets.
