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Form momentumLast five results weighted to winsJL
Japan W is a football national team from Japan. The team was founded in 1921. Home matches are played at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas, which has a listed capacity of 22,661 on a grass surface. Japan W competes in Asian Cup Women and other competitions tracked on Sportra. Japan W's Sportra hub links squad lists, upcoming fixtures, recent results, multi-competition standings, advanced season statistics, and headline news in one place. On Sportra you can follow Japan W fixtures, results, squad, league standings, season statistics, and the latest football news.
National
Season intelligence
Stable formation usage — predictable structure and high tactical familiarity.
6W 0D 0L in last 6 — 3.00 PPG. On a 6-match winning run. Rarely stacks consecutive defeats.
Biggest results, streaks, and set-piece record.
Iran were treated badly while two countries were debutants, but Saudi Arabia and South Korea should have done betterFor a while, it looked as if Asia’s biggest World Cup result was on and Japan were going to beat Brazil. A team full of energy, skill and verve looked superior to the South Americans and were sending out a statement to the rest of the world and also back home that a new dawn was indeed here. The second half wasn’t quite so good. The energy levels could not be sustained, the Samurai Blue dropped too deep and eventually they were undone in the 96th minute to lose 2-1 in this last-32 clash. Had four of the team’s best players – Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino and Takefusa Kubo – been available then it could have ended differently. In the end, Brazil’s strength in depth was a little stronger.More than usual, however, there was support from elsewhere in Asia, with fans desperate for some continental pride. “We are representing Asia. I know that other Asian teams are not as successful,” the Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said before kick-off. “I would like us to be able to encourage other Asian teams as well, and we would like to be their hope.” Continue reading...
Japan's World Cup journey came to an end at the hands of Brazil, but Hajime Moriyasu is confident his team will bounce back stronger. The post Moriyasu: Japan closing in on elite nations despite World Cup exit appeared first on SoccerNews.
Ancelotti says late win was Brazil’s ‘most complete game’Hajime Moriyasu says Japan ‘have to improve’Carlo Ancelotti was characteristically calm after Brazil’s 2-1 victory against Japan on Monday, insisting he had never doubted his team would get back into the game and warning they are getting better and better.“At half-time I told the players to be patient because sooner or later we would score,” Ancelotti said. “What was important was to keep our structure. We know we’re going down the right path and we have to continue on this path.” Continue reading...
Despite his disappointing start, Brazil have secured their place in the knockout stage as leaders of the group. With this in mind, they face Japan, looking to make secure their Round of 16 spot. Therefore, a win, a draw, or a loss could significantly affect the knockout bracket. Unlike previous editions, Brazil arrived at the 2026 World Cup surrounded by major doubts about their level. Despite their draw against Morocco, they managed to silence those doubts with two victories to secure first place in their group. As a result, they face Japan today in the Round of 32. Since this is the knockout stage, a win, a draw, or a defeat could significantly affect the bracket for the next round. Japan have become one of the most solid national teams in the tournament. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has managed to implement a very versatile style of play. Therefore, they may not struggle much against Brazil’s attack, as they know how to sit deep defensively. In addition, they excel through their wing-backs, who create space for Daizen Maeda and Ritsu Doan to shine, causing major problems for the opposition’s high press. Brazil have regained their attacking brilliance at the 2026 World Cup. With Vinícius Jr. as their main attacking star, they have managed to break down opposing defenses by dominating possession and pressing their opponents high up the pitch. The double pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães is key to controlling the midfield, while Gabriel and Marquinhos will be crucial in limiting Japan’s counterattacks, which are usually very efficient. What happens if Brazil win over Japan? In case Brazil secure a victory over Japan, they will immediately secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. With this, Carlo Ancelotti’s team could prove the doubters wrong, emerging once again as a top contenders again. They would face the winner of the tie between Ivory Coast and Norway on July 5. Hajime Moriyasu’s team would post its worst World Cup performance since the 2014 tournament, as it reached the Round of 16 in the previous two editions. Endrick #19 of Brazil after the Haiti game. What happens if Brazil draw to Japan? If Brazil and Japan draw after 90 minutes, they would have to determine the winner of the tie in extra time. Therefore, they would play two 15-minute periods. In case there is still no winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout, where the winner would be decided and would face Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5. What happens if Brazil lose to Japan? A defeat for Brazil against Japan would eliminate them immediately from the 2026 World Cup. With this, Carlo Ancelotti’s team would produce their worst performance in recent years, as from 2006 through 2022 they reached at least the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Hajime Moriyasu’s team would match the performance of their previous two editions. In addition, they would have the chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.
Japan booked their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup via a 1-1 draw with Sweden, who also qualified for the last 32. The post Moriyasu: Japan want to inspire Asian teams with World Cup display appeared first on SoccerNews.
Thank goodness this is Dallas and not Gijón. There was ultimately no disgrace in a draw that served everyone, even if one might have forgiven Graham Potter and Hajime Moriyasu for shaking hands at half-time. At that point most onlookers may have fancied calling it all off too but a much sparkier second half served up two moments to cherish and left Sweden, who had risked throwing such a promising campaign away, certain of a spot in the last 32.Japan were already confident of theirs and, as runners-up, will face Brazil in Houston on Monday. It is a mouthwatering knockout clash that surely has no business being contested so early in the competition. In fairness a lower finish might have served them no better and they can be spurred by the precedent set by recent history. Back in October, after all, they thrillingly beat Carlo Ancelotti’s side in Tokyo. They will feel able to do it again and there was no point risking the third-place lottery here. Continue reading...
Japan will square off against Sweden in Matchday 3 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here's all the information you need to watch the game live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Japan vs Sweden on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Japan vs Sweden WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT • Thursday, June 25, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Japan enters the final group stage match in a strong position, having secured four points from their first two games. After a resilient 2-2 draw against the Netherlands where they came from behind twice, the Samurai Blue delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Tunisia. This dominant performance puts them in a prime position to challenge for the top spot in Group F, making this clash with Sweden a must-win to control their destiny. Sweden‘s journey in the tournament has been a tale of two extremes. They opened their campaign with an explosive 5-1 win over Tunisia, showcasing their formidable attacking power. However, they were brought back to earth with a humbling 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands. Now sitting a point behind Japan, the Swedes face a high-stakes finale where a victory would see them leapfrog their opponents and secure a place in the knockout rounds. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The trajectories of these two nations couldn’t be more different. Japan has demonstrated both grit and attacking flair, thriving as both an underdog against the Dutch and as the favorite against Tunisia. Their confidence is high, and their system under manager Hajime Moriyasu appears balanced and effective. In contrast, Sweden‘s form is volatile, defined by a potent offense and a worryingly porous defense that has conceded in every qualifier and tournament match so far. The tactical battle will likely pit Japan’s quick, inventive passing and fluid movement against Sweden‘s more direct approach. The key to the match lies in whether Japan‘s agile forwards can exploit the significant gaps in Sweden‘s backline, which struggled immensely against the Netherlands. On the other side, Sweden‘s world-class attacking duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres gives them a powerful weapon that can trouble any defense, meaning they are always a threat to score. Motivation is clear and urgent for both sides. Japan needs a victory to have a chance at finishing first in the group, a result that may require a significant goal tally to surpass the Netherlands on goal difference. For Sweden, the math is simpler but no less critical: a win guarantees passage to the next round, while a draw would leave them hoping to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Expect an open, attacking game as both teams push for a decisive result. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends Historically, there is little to separate Japan and Sweden. The two nations have met four times, all in international friendlies, with no encounters in a major competition. Sweden holds the only victory, a 1-0 win back in 1997, while the other three matches ended in draws. The most recent meeting was a 1-1 draw in 2002. While direct head-to-head history is limited, their respective records against continental opposition offer more insight. Japan has a strong recent record against European teams at the tournament, remaining undefeated in their last four such matches. Conversely, Sweden has a perfect, albeit brief, record against AFC opponents in the competition, winning both of their previous encounters. Recent trends strongly suggest a high-scoring affair. Both of Sweden‘s matches at the 2026 finals have seen a total of six goals. Furthermore, both teams have scored in Sweden‘s last eight consecutive games, a run in which they have conceded an average of 2.38 goals per game. Japan has also shown its offensive capabilities, scoring six goals in its first two matches. Squad News & Projected Lineups Both squads head in
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