O Brazil faces, this Monday (29), the Japanthrough the 16th final of the 2026 World Cup, looking for a place in the round of 16. Second placed in the strong Group F, behind the Netherlands, the Seleção’s opponent reaches the knockout stage with a well-defined style of play in the tactical organizationalready exchange of passes and in quick transitionsmarks of the work of coach Hajime Moriyasu, who has been in charge of the team since July 2018.
The Asian team has shown possession football so far in this World Cup when it finds space, but has also shown the ability to act reactively against stronger opponents. Against teams with a higher technical level, Japan tends to lower their lines, score from midfield and accelerate quickly after recovering the ball, exploiting the movement of the front men and the quality of the passes. This is how they achieved recent victories over Brazil and England during the World Cup run.
Os “Blue Samurai” haven’t lost a match since September 9, 2025when they were defeated 2-0 by the United States, in a friendly. The following month, they starred one of the most memorable defeats of the Carlo Ancelotti era by turning a 2-0 lead into a 3-2 triumph over the Brazilian team.
Qualifying for the World Cup also confirmed Japan’s progress in recent years. After their 2023 Asian Cup quarter-final exit to Iran, the team dominated the Asian Qualifiers. In 16 matches, won 13, drew two e lost just oneto Australia. Altogether, in cycle to the World Cupcompeted 42 gamescom 33 wins, five ties, four defeats e 83% success rate. In addition to the victory over Brazil, also beat England and Germany in preparation friendlies.
At the World Cup, Japan advanced in second place in Group F, led by the Netherlands. Sweden and Tunisia finished in third and fourth place respectively.
Tactical organization is the main brand
Moriyasu put together a team that plays, most of the time, in the scheme 3-4-3. In the defensive phase, however, the formation usually turns into a 5-4-1com compact lines e few spaces between sectors. Unlike most teams that use this system, the sides of the field are occupied by players with an offensive profile, and not by native full-backs.
The team rarely presses for the ball from the first minutes. Marking usually starts in the defensive midfield, seeking to close the spaces close to the area. When they regain possession, Japan accelerates their plays down the central corridor, using quick passes and constant movement to dismantle the opposing defense.
That’s how he scored goals against Tunisia and Sweden. Against the Swedes, for example, the goal was born from an exchange of passes involving Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda and Ayase Ueda, a combination that sums up the game model implemented by Moriyasu.
Another characteristic of the team is the player versatility. Throughout the group stage, Moriyasu made constant changes to the lineup without altering the collective functioning. Daichi Kamada played as a midfielder in some matches and more advanced in others, while Doan alternated between the right wing and the attack. The coach also did not repeat the starting lineup in any of the first three games.
Mobile attack and technical midfield
Even with frequent changes, some players have established themselves as references for the team. The attack is usually formed by Ritsu Doando Eintracht Frankfurt, Daizen Maedado Celtic, e Ayase Uedafrom Feyenoord, which operates more centrally.
Ueda is experiencing one of the best moments of his career. Before the World Cup, he scored 26 goals in 40 matches for Feyenoord and has already scored in the World Cup. In addition to his ability to finish, he participates in the construction of plays, acting as a pivot and opening spaces for his teammates.
Doan plays an important role both as a winger and as a striker, while Maeda offers speed and depth. In midfield, Daichi Kamada, from Crystal Palace, frequently appears in the offensive sector and has already scored goals in this World Cup. Midfielders Ao Tanaka and Sano also stand out, responsible for providing quality to the ball’s circulation.
On the sides, Shunsuke Nakamura and Junya Ito expand the offensive options with dribbling and movement.
Solid defense even with absences
In defense, Hiroki Ito returned to gain space after recovering from an injury suffered during his time at Bayern Munich and became one of the references of the Japanese defensive system.
Despite the good campaign, Japan competes in the World Cup with important casualties. Midfielder Wataru Endo, from Liverpool, and strikers Kaoru Mitoma, from Brighton, and Takumi Minamino, from Monaco, were left out of the squad due to physical problems.
During the tournament, the coach also lost Takefusa Kubo, from Real Sociedad, who suffered a sprain in his right knee in his debut against the Netherlands. Defender Itakura, who assumed the captain’s armband, was also absent for medical reasons.
Even with the absences, the team maintained its standard of performance thanks to the depth of the cast and the collective organization built by Moriyasu over eight years of work.
The consistency of the project also appears in the last World Cups. In 2018, Japan was eliminated in the round of 16 after suffering a comeback against Belgium in the final minutes. Four years later, he surprised by leading a group that brought together Germany, Spain and Costa Rica, beating both European teams.
