Japan
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Betting Profile
Playing Style
Hajime Moriyasu's Japan play an adventurous 3-4-2-1 that blitzed Germany and Spain in 2022. Wing-backs Mitoma and Doan provide width and pace. Takefusa Kubo is the creative fulcrum. This is the best Japanese squad ever assembled — packed with European starters who attack with intent. Totals Bias: OVER.
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals |
|---|---|
| Takefusa Kubo | 8 |
| Kaoru Mitoma | 10 |
| Ritsu Doan | 9 |
| Ayase Ueda | 7 |
Takefusa Kubo — Real Sociedad. The creative heartbeat of the squad. Dribbles at defenders, creates and scores. PK taker.
Kaoru Mitoma — Brighton. Left wing-back. Electric dribbler. Scores spectacular goals. Japan's most dynamic wide player.
Ritsu Doan — Freiburg. Right wing. High shot volume, presses, creates. Scored against Spain in 2022.
Ayase Ueda — Feyenoord. Clinical striker. Improving rapidly in Eredivisie.
Set Piece Roles
Takefusa Kubo
Takefusa Kubo
Ritsu Doan / Kaoru Mitoma (delivery) / Maya Yoshida (target)
Tactical Breakdown
Japan are the tournament's most exciting dark horse. They beat Germany and Spain in the 2022 group stage — this is no accident. The squad is littered with European starters. Moriyasu's 3-4-2-1 is attack-minded, technically excellent, and generates high-volume chances. This is a different Japan from 2022 — they will attack and outscore problems rather than purely defending. Group F with Netherlands, Tunisia, and a playoff winner is winnable — Japan can top this group. Key risk: the 3-back system has defensive fragility on transitions. But they outscore. Japan overs in every game.
Shot Creators & Assisters
Real Sociedad. The most technically gifted player. Dribbles, creates, shoots from distance. Takes PKs and free kicks.
The most dangerous player on the roster. Dribbles at full backs, creates chances, and finishes.
Freiburg. High shot volume, works hard defensively, scored the famous free kick vs. Spain in 2022.
Set Piece Aerial Targets
Veteran captain. CB who attacks corners aggressively. Leadership and set piece presence.
Stronger in the air than his frame suggests. Scored a header against Spain in 2022.
Group F Standings
Group F standings will update live once the tournament kicks off June 11, 2026.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Japan | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Tunisia | — | — | — | — | — | — |
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