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Japan builds depth in quest for World Cup success after Asian dominance

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 7:00 PM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

Japan builds depth in quest for World Cup success after Asian dominance

Summary

As Japan looks to enhance its reputation in global soccer, head coach Hajime Moriyasu emphasizes the team’s depth despite missing key players. Historically, Japan experienced disappointment in 2002 after reaching the last 16 of their home World Cup. With a renewed focus on tactical flexibility, the team aims to break through barriers set by past limitations and challenge elite soccer nations in future tournaments.

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The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•Hajime Moriyasu is the head coach of Japan's national team.
•Japan topped their group in the 2002 World Cup.
•The team lost to Turkey in the last 16 of the 2002 tournament.
•Japan aims to build on past successes with tactical improvements.
•Missing key players may impact Japan’s immediate preparations.

Latest Updates

7:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — Being the best in Asia is no longer enough for Japan seeking World Cup breakthrough | Jonathan Wilson

What they're saying

"
Despite missing key players, Hajime Moriyasu’s side have built strength in depth to challenge the traditional order In 2002 there was a sense that Japan had slightly missed an opportunity. South Korea may have enjoyed the benefit of some favourable refereeing, but they also impressed. They were quick, technically good and tactically extremely flexible and they progressed to the semi-final of their home World Cup. Japan did not do much wrong, topping their group before going down 1-0 to Turkey in the last 16, but the contrast with their co-hosts was inevitably underwhelming. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Jonathan Wilson

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