Japan arrive at the 2026 World Cup having qualified for every edition since their debut in France in 1998, making this their eighth consecutive appearance and eighth overall. The Samurai Blue have never lifted the trophy, but they have established themselves as Asia's most consistent World Cup side, reaching the round of 16 on four separate occasions. Their 2022 campaign in Qatar stands as their most electric: they topped a group containing Germany and Spain, defeating both in stunning comebacks, before falling to Croatia on penalties in what remains the finest run an Asian nation has produced on football's biggest stage.

Japan became the first nation to clinch a spot at the 2026 World Cup, sealing qualification on 03/20/25 with a two nil victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring in the second half and Takefusa Kubo added a late second to confirm the place, with three group matches still remaining. It was a statement of total dominance: Japan topped AFC Group C with seven wins from ten matches and 30 goals scored, conceding just three. Hajime Moriyasu's side arrive in North America with momentum and a point to prove after their Qatar heartbreak.