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Japan’s top football official says team is aiming for 2026 World Cup final

Japan's Keito Nakamura celebrates a goal during a friendly with Brazil in Japan — Japan's Keito Nakamura celebrates a goal during a friendly with Brazil in Japan (REUTERS)

Japan's football chief, Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, has set the ambitious target of reaching the final of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Despite never progressing beyond the last 16 in previous tournaments, Miyamoto believes the team possesses the experience and depth of talent, with many players at top European clubs.
Japan was the first team to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup and recently boosted their confidence with a friendly win over five-time champions Brazil.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu, while not considering Japan a favourite to win the tournament, agrees that reaching the final is a realistic possibility for the squad.
The team is expected to benefit from the lessons learned at the 2022 World Cup, where they defeated Germany and Spain before a penalty shootout exit against Croatia.

Japan set incredibly bold target for 2026 World Cup — In full