Japan have targeted winning a FIFA World Cup since 2005, with 2050 set as a deadline rather than a projection, according to ESPN. The Samurai Blue secured early qualification for the 2026 tournament last March but have repeatedly said that was only the first part of the task.
On the eve of their opening game against the Netherlands, wingback Yukinari Sugawara told ESPN the team’s objective is clear: “We came here to win the World Cup. We didn’t just come here for fun,” he said after Japan’s final training session at Southern Methodist University.
Japan enter the contest as slight underdogs on paper. The Netherlands are currently ranked eighth in the world, ten places higher than Japan, according to ESPN, yet the Samurai Blue have demonstrated an ability to upset major opponents — beating Germany and Spain at the last World Cup and recording first-ever victories over Brazil and England in recent friendlies.
Preparations have been disrupted by the late withdrawal of captain Wataru Endo, who announced his international retirement after complications in a comeback from foot surgery, ESPN reports. With Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino also unavailable, coach Hajime Moriyasu has been forced to reshuffle the side, creating chances for other players to step forward.
Sugawara, 25, who is on the books at Southampton and spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen, was a regular through qualifying and is now among the primary options to fill the gaps. He said Japan will prepare thoroughly — mentally and physically — and stressed the squad’s unity, adding that they will fight for their country, family and the Japanese people. “We’re ready to go,” he told ESPN, and concluded with a belief that they can make history.
