The Samurai Blue’s toughest opponents are themselves. The Australian coach would help them kick down the door to football’s global elite

Hajime Moriyasu was expected to confirm on Thursday he was staying as head coach of the Japan men's soccer team, but instead he said he needed time to relax and review the World Cup results before deciding his future.

All the latest from the 2026 Fifa World Cup as Brazil and Japan prepare to play in Houston at 18:00 BST.

Japan drew Sweden 1-1 in their final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup and that was enough to see both of them qualify for the Round of 32. Japan's second place finish means they will take on Brazil in R32,

Among the teams that are in action on Saturday include numerous contender teams, including Germany, the Netherlands and Japan.

Some Chinese fans in Shanghai are reported to have worn Japanese national team jerseys and cheered Japan’s win over Tunisia last month.

Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in heartbreak, but the Samurai Blue once again won hearts. Here's how football became a reflection of Japan's culture, shaped by respect, long-term vision and the influence of manga,