Netherlands vs Japan: Japan’s Quiet Rise as a Nation at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Netherlands vs Japan: Japan’s national team has steadily risen as a disciplined and formidable contender on the international stage, heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026. With a strong moment, the official tournament draw is scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., but even without finalized groups, early expectations are forming around which teams could thrive under the World Cup’s new structure.
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The upcoming tournament will be historic in more ways than one. For the first time, the Soccer World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32. This expanded format significantly changes the dynamics of the competition. A total of 32 teams will progress to the knockout rounds, including the top two finishers from each group and the eight best third-place teams. As a result, the group stage is expected to be less punishing for traditional contenders, with more room for error and fewer early eliminations among the favorites.
While there will inevitably still be a so-called group of death, the sense of danger that usually defines the opening phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 may be reduced. The larger field also means an increase in underdog nations, which could soften the path for stronger teams but also open the door for disciplined, well-organized sides to quietly make deep runs.
Japan and the World Cup a landscape built for their strengths
From a betting and analytical perspective, the expanded format has also changed the landscape. In previous tournaments, the draw could dramatically reshape expectations overnight, with teams seeing their odds shift sharply depending on the FIFA World Cup Final Tickets opponents they were grouped with. This time around, however, the impact of the draw is expected to be more muted. The current hierarchy of favorites is likely to remain relatively stable through the draw and into the opening matches next summer.
That reality creates an opportunity for nations operating outside the spotlight, teams that may not capture headlines but possess the qualities needed to succeed in international football. Among those teams, Japan stands out as one of the most intriguing and potentially dangerous contenders heading into FIFA 2026.
Spain, England, France, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany continue to dominate the conversation at the top. Meanwhile, Norway, led by global superstar Erling Haaland, has emerged as a trendy dark-horse pick. However, history shows that teams receiving excessive hype well before kickoff often struggle to live up to expectations once the tournament begins.
Japan’s Organized Play Powering Their Soccer World Cup Rise
Success in the international Football World Cup is rarely about raw talent alone. Unlike club football, national teams have limited time to train together, test systems, and build chemistry. Because of this, consistency, identity, and clarity of roles are often more important than star power. Japan has mastered this formula over the past two World Cup cycles, establishing itself as the dominant force in Asian football.
Since taking charge in 2019, head coach Hajime Moriyasu has built a team with a clear and unwavering philosophy. Personnel changes have come and gone, but Japan’s tactical identity has remained constant. The Samurai Blue play with relentless intensity, high tempo, and fearless attacking intent. From the opening whistle to the final minute, Japan commits fully to its style, regardless of the opponent.
At first glance, Japan’s approach may appear risky. Their fast-paced, pressing game demands immense physical effort and leaves little margin for error. However, what makes it effective is the players’ deep understanding of their roles. Every individual on the pitch knows exactly what is expected, allowing the team to function as a cohesive unit rather than a collection of individuals.
Japan’s Expanding Influence in Asia for the FIFA 2026
Japan’s superiority in Asian football has been impossible to ignore. Throughout World Cup qualifying, they dominated opponents with an eye-catching goal difference of plus-27, finding the net 30 times while allowing just three goals. This level of control highlights more than skill alone; it reflects strong mentality, discipline, and thorough preparation at every level of the team.
Despite these achievements, Japan continues to operate outside the spotlight. Much of the attention remains fixed on traditional g
