The Negeri Sembilan captain will be watching this year’s tournament with huge admiration
YEAR after year, the Japan national team never failed to produce surprises on the international stage with their outstanding performance in the previous World Cup serving as a good example.
Drawn into a so-called “group of death” alongside Germany and Spain, the Samurai Blue were widely expected to struggle, given the vast experience both European giants possess in the tournament.
However, with grit and determination, Japan defied expectation by finishing top of Group E, progressing to the knockout stage and knocking out Die Mannschaft in the process.
Japan’s impressive run in the tournament was finally halted by Croatia in the Round of 16 through penalties after the match ended with 1-1 draw.
But, that historic edition still left a lasting impression for Japanese football fans around the globe, including the Negeri Sembilan captain Takumi Sasaki.
The 28-year-old midfielder describes the moment as one of his most memorable experiences of watching the tournament, while also hoping to witness similar success in the upcoming World Cup.
“In the previous edition, they beat Germany and Spain,” he recalled to theSun. “So, I hope they can win more matches this year.
“Recently, Japan recorded good result in friendly matches. So, I really hope they can go further in the upcoming tournament,”
The Samurai Blue’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup highlighted by their impressive away victories over Scotland and England.
Plus, in the qualifying round, Japan did not face any troubles after finishing top of Group B in the second round by winning all six matches.
Those results have boosted confidence for Hajime Moriyasu’s squad, especially after being drawn into difficult Group F alongside Sweden, the Netherlands and Tunisia.
Sasaki also believes the 2026 World Cup could hold special meaning for him with some of his former teammates may feature in the final squad.
“During my time in Japan youth squad, I was in the team alongside (Koaru) Mitoma, (Takehiro) Tomiyasu and Ritsu Doan. So, I hope all my friends can be in the squad and play well during the World Cup,”
Before announcing himself in Malaysian league, Sasaki spent most of his career in Japan’s lower divisions with clubs such as Vegalta Sendai and Renofa Yamaguchi.
His talent also earned him a call-up to Japan’s youth setup, where he played alongside highly regarded prospects who are now featuring across Europe.
While Moriyasu’s final tournament strategy relies heavily on European-based players, the manager must navigate a heavy blow.
Brighton forward Mitoma, who scored the winner against England, has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a hamstring injury.
In his absence, figures like Junya Ito (Genk) and Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich) will need to carry the creative burden.
Japan has reached the Round of 16 in four separate World Cups but has never progressed further. To break that barrier, they must navigate a challenging Group F featuring Sweden, Tunisia, and the Netherlands.
The Samurai Blue open their campaign against the Netherlands on June 15 at Dallas Stadium in Texas.
