JAKARTA – Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu challenged his team to show that they are capable of competing with the best at the 2026 World Cup by overcoming a tough battle against England at Wembley, Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The Blue Samurai will face Thomas Tuchel’s team after an unexpected 1-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Although England will be missing several regular Premier League players – with Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke among those who have withdrawn – Moriyasu believes Thomas Tuchel still has depth.
“I believe we can perform in the best environment. It is important to continue to build our current abilities. By competing against world-class England, we want to show our strength through a fierce battle.”
“We want to see what we can do to meet the world-class standards and standards of the World Cup champions,” Moriyasu said, quoted by ESPN.
Japan are preparing for their eighth consecutive World Cup finals and will be in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia, and the winner of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers final between Sweden and Poland.
England – currently ranked fourth in the FIFA rankings, having topped their qualifying group with a perfect record and not conceding a goal in eight games – are considered one of the favourites to lift the trophy this summer.
That’s what makes Moriyasu excited. The coach has big dreams for Japan than just thinking about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
“I think most people (in Japan) think it’s impossible (for us to win the World Cup). England are favourites to win the World Cup, but we’re the dark horses,” he said.
Since appearing for the first time at the 1998 World Cup, the best journey of the Blue Samurai has only reached the last 16.
Seeing the historical record, Moriyasu clearly wants to set a new record for his country.
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