Japan eliminated from World Cup after loss to Brazil
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 1:40 AM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026
Japan was eliminated from the World Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the last 32 on June 29. After taking an early lead, Japan conceded an equalizer shortly after halftime and succumbed to a late goal in the 95th minute. Midfielder Daichi Kamada expressed the need for football to become Japan’s primary sport if they are to achieve greater success. Despite impressive performances in qualification, Japan struggled with injuries to key players before the tournament. Their next challenge is the Asian Cup in January 2027, where they aim to reclaim the title they last held in 2011.
- •Japan took the lead but lost 2-1 to Brazil.
- •Kamada calls for football to be prioritized in Japan.
- •Japan’s key players were injured before the tournament.
- •The Asian Cup begins in January 2027 for Japan.
- •Japan last won the Asian Cup in 2011.
- 1:40 AMYahoo Sports — Ambitious Japan search for answers after World Cup exit
"Japan will never win the World Cup unless football becomes the country's number one sport, midfielder Daichi Kamada warned after their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brazil on Monday.Football has to compete with baseball and a host of other sports in Japan and Kamada thinks that has to change if they want to progress.
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