Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his national team is a dark-horse contender for the FIFA World Cup 2026 ahead of a match against Brazil.
The statement signals a shift in ambition for the Japanese side, which aims to challenge traditional football powerhouses on the global stage. A victory against Brazil would mark a historic milestone for the team in the tournament's knockout stages.
Speaking at a press conference on June 27, Moriyasu said he believes Japan possesses a united and talented squad capable of competing with the world's best. The coach said he has an ambition to win the tournament as his team prepared for the Round of 32 match scheduled for June 28 [3].
Japan enters the clash after a group stage performance that included a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands [1]. Despite the momentum, the squad faces a significant challenge in Brazil, which is a five-time World Cup champion [2].
Moriyasu said the team's unity is a primary strength. However, the roster has faced setbacks, including the absence of Takefusa Kubo due to injury [4]. The official squad for the tournament had been announced on June 15 [5].
The match takes place in the U.S., the host nation for the 2026 tournament. Moriyasu said he wants to create history by defeating a traditional powerhouse, emphasizing that the current generation of players is ready for the challenge.
“Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his national team is a dark-horse contender”
Japan's self-identification as a 'dark horse' reflects the growing competitiveness of Asian football in the global arena. By targeting a victory over Brazil, Japan is attempting to break the psychological barrier that often separates emerging football nations from the established elite of South America and Europe.
