A milestone for Asian football
Japan is set to meet Brazil in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a clash that could finally end the Samurai Blue’s four‑match winless run in knockout matches. The encounter, scheduled for Houston, Texas, pits a team that has gone unbeaten in ten games against a Brazilian side that recently tasted defeat in a friendly in Tokyo.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu, who admires Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged the Seleção’s strength but said the memory of the September victory fuels confidence. “We have shown we can compete with the best,” he said, pointing to a 3‑2 win over England and a 4‑0 thrashing of Tunisia as proof of consistency.
Former Brazil playmaker Zico, who once coached Japan, believes the match will showcase proper football. He highlighted the team’s tactical refinement and psychological resilience, noting that the players are prepared for any opponent.
Japan’s recent history adds urgency. In 2018 they fell 3‑2 to Belgium in stoppage time after reaching the quarter‑finals, and four years earlier they eliminated Germany and Spain before losing on penalties to Croatia. Those experiences have hardened a squad that now aims to inspire other Asian teams.
Beyond the trophy, Moriyasu sees the game as a catalyst for football development across the continent. “We want to be a hope for Asian football,” he said, echoing the continent’s ambition to break the long‑standing European and South American dominance.