Japan

Japan, the Samurai Blue, have risen to become Asia's preeminent footballing nation, fusing technical precision, relentless work rate, and tactical discipline. Backed by an immaculately behaved and devoted fanbase famed for cleaning up stadiums, Japan have qualified for every World Cup since 1998 and increasingly trouble the world's elite.

Since debuting in 1998, Japan have reached the round of 16 four times, in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022, establishing themselves as Asia's most reliable World Cup performer. Their finest hour came in 2022, when they stunned the football world by beating two former champions, Germany and Spain, to top a 'group of death' before a heartbreaking penalty-shootout exit to Croatia. Japan's blend of organization and emerging European-based stars has them dreaming of becoming the first Asian nation to reach a semifinal.