Japan has shocked the football world with seven goals in three group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The campaign began dramatically, first with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands on June 14-15, where midfielder Daichi Kamada scored the latest goal in Japan's World Cup history to equalize in the 89th minute.
On June 20, Japan showcased their offensive prowess with a 4-0 victory over Tunisia, featuring standout performances from forward Ayase Ueda, who scored at least two goals.
Japan's World Cup journey has been consistent since 1998, with this being their eighth consecutive appearance. They were the first nation to qualify for the tournament in May 2026. Despite this consistency, Japan has yet to win a knockout stage match, exemplified by their exit in the Round of 16 in 2022 after defeats to Croatia on penalties.
Japan will face Sweden on June 25, 2026, carrying momentum from their goal-scoring performance. The team's attacking diversity, with contributions from various positions, signals a strong potential for advancement in the tournament.