For the upcoming World Cup, Japan have been drawn in Group F along with the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden.

Surprisingly, Japan have never made it past the round of 16 at the World Cup, but they pulled off some notable upsets in the 2022 edition, and will hope to improve on that this summer. 

📔 What are the key stats and facts I need to know before betting on Japan at the World Cup 2026?

Japan Stats pending...

🔥 What free bets are available for Japan's World Cup games?

✅ What is the best bet for Japan at the World Cup 2026?

🌍 How did Japan qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Japan were dominant in their qualifying campaign, and they breezed past North Korea, Syria, and Myanmar to put them into the next round. Japan won all six of those games, with 24 goals scored and zero conceded.

They were tested a bit more in round three, but Japan were still easily able to top their group. They did drop points in three of those ten games, twice against Australia, who also qualified for the World Cup, but Japan had already mathematically secured top spot prior to their 1-0 defeat against the Socceroos.

Japan’s record of seven wins, two draws, and one loss in the final qualification group was impressive, as they scored 30 and conceded just three goals. Japan had some notable victories, including a 7-0 win over China to start the group and a 6-0 victory against Indonesia to conclude it.

👔 Who is the Japan manager at the World Cup 2026?

Hajime Moriyasu took charge of Japan after the 2018 World Cup and looks to remain as manager this summer.

He has risen through the ranks of the Japanese international setup, previously coaching the U23’s, and he was the one who handed senior debuts to the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Moriyasu tends to prefer a 3-4-3 shape, although his tactical systems are quite fluid and adaptable to the opposition. Moriyasu likes his side to play with intensity, and they won’t sit back against the big sides.

🔎 Who are Japan's key players to watch at World Cup 2026?

Ayase Ueda

Ayase Ueda was the top scorer for Japan during the World Cup qualifiers, as he recorded eight goals and two assists from his nine starts. The Feyenoord man has been in prolific form this season and has scored 23 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions for the Dutch side.

Ueda is the prime candidate to lead the line for Japan at the World Cup, as Japan are not short on goalscoring options. In fact, they had 19 different players find the back of the net during their qualifying campaign.

Kaoru Mitoma

Kaoru Mitoma has had an injury-hit campaign for Brighton this season, and has only scored two goals, but he is one of Japan’s most influential players in the final third, and is sure to have a big role this summer.

Mitoma really made a name for himself at the 2022 World Cup, as he made a key difference against Europe’s elites, despite only featuring off the bench. He also scored the only goal of the game when Japan recently faced England.

Daichi Kamada

Fellow Premier League star Daichi Kamada looks set to start for Japan at the World Cup, especially if Wataru Endo is deemed unavailable, after suffering a serious injury while playing for Liverpool.

Kamada is not renowned for his goalscoring ability, and he is still yet to open his account for Crystal Palace this season after 33 appearances, but he bagged five for Japan during their qualifying group games, highlighting how he is given a bit more attacking freedom for his national side.

🔮 What is Andy's Bet Club and how does it work for World Cup 2026 tips?

Keep up with Andy's Tips, including World Cup Predictions and World Cup 2026 Free Bet Offers, on Andy's Bet Club.

For World Cup outright betting, check out our World Cup Players to Watch Tips, World Cup Golden Boot Tips and World Cup Outrights Updates.

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.