Japan's 7 potential opponents in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 revealed; Moriyasu clearly states who he wants to face.
On 25 June 2026, the seven possible opponents for Japan's national team in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 were revealed, as Japan is highly likely to advance before their match against Sweden tonight, scheduled for 06:00 on Friday, 26 June, Thai time.
1. Netherlands 4 points (7 scored, 3 conceded)
2. Japan 4 points (6 scored, 2 conceded)
3. Sweden 3 points (6 scored, 6 conceded)
4. Tunisia 0 points (1 scored, 9 conceded) *Eliminated
Currently, Japan has three possible ways to qualify for the 2026 World Cup round of 32, each leading to a different knockout path. They may face up to seven different opponents as follows.
Finish 1st in Group F: face Morocco
Finish 2nd in Group F: face Brazil
Finish 3rd in Group F: face France / Germany / Norway / Mexico / Switzerland
Japan's chance to finish first requires beating Sweden and hoping their goal difference surpasses the Netherlands, who are expected to beat Tunisia. Even finishing third with 4 points still offers a strong chance of advancing.
Japan's head coach Hajime Moriyasu, when asked by the media before the Sweden match about which opponent he would like to face in the World Cup round of 32, said, "The situation could go many ways, whether finishing as group champions or advancing as second or third place."
"But our attitude remains the same: we are determined to win each match. We have always followed this approach and are preparing with the single goal of defeating Sweden first."
"Of course, we want to finish first in the group, but I think trying to score too many goals to the point of losing team balance is a greater risk."
