Japan’s Road to Redemption: Using Asian Cup Disappointment as Fuel for World Cup Qualification

Japan’s national soccer team is at a crossroads. Following their unexpected exit from the Asian Cup earlier this year, the team faces the daunting task of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Captain Wataru Endo has urged his teammates to channel their disappointment into motivation. As the highest-ranked team in Asia, Japan’s underperformance at the Asian Cup, where they lost to Iran in the quarter-finals, was a significant blow. This failure has cast a shadow over their capabilities, and the pressure is mounting as they prepare for their first qualifying match against China in Saitama.

The journey to the 2026 World Cup has not been smooth for Japan. The team struggled during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, suffering a surprising home defeat to Oman and losing away to Saudi Arabia. These setbacks have raised questions about the team’s ability to perform under pressure. However, Liverpool midfielder Endo remains optimistic. He believes that Japan has the quality to make a strong start in this round of qualifiers. Despite the team’s frustration from the Asian Cup, Endo wants the team to remain positive and use their past failures as a catalyst for future success.

Japan’s group for the World Cup qualifiers is far from easy. They are grouped with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Australia, making it one of the most challenging groups. The top two teams will secure a spot at the World Cup, while the third and fourth teams will have to go through further rounds of qualifying. This high-stakes environment means that every match is crucial. Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, is well aware of the challenges ahead. He has welcomed back Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has been injured and not played for the team since the Asian Cup. Mitoma’s return is a significant boost for the team.

Another key player making a return is winger Junya Ito. Ito was cleared of charges for an alleged sexual assault in 2020, and his availability adds depth to Japan’s squad. Moriyasu believes that both Mitoma and Ito are valuable assets to the team, not just for their attacking abilities but also for their defensive efforts. Their inclusion in the squad is expected to strengthen Japan’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup. As the team prepares for their match against China, the focus is on building a cohesive unit that can deliver results.

China, led by Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic, barely made it into the third round of qualifiers. They have only qualified for the World Cup once, in 2002. Ivankovic recognizes that Japan is one of the strongest teams in Asia but says that anything is possible in the game. He emphasizes the importance of playing with a brave spirit in their match against Japan. This underdog mentality could make China a formidable opponent, and Japan cannot afford to underestimate them. The match against China is a critical test for Japan as they seek to start their qualifying campaign on a positive note.

China’s approach to the World Cup qualifiers has been notably low-key. The team’s departure to Tokyo was understated, reflecting a change in strategy due to ongoing anti-corruption efforts within the Chinese Football Association (CFA). Head coach Ivankovic has called up a full-strength squad, including star player Wu Lei and three naturalized players. The CFA has not set any specific targets for the team this year, focusing instead on building a competitive squad. Despite the difference in strength between China and Japan, Ivankovic remains optimistic about achieving an unexpected result.

The Chinese national team’s performance is a focal point for the public. Sports commentator Wang Dazhao believes that representing China in the World Cup qualifiers is a significant responsibility. He stresses the importance of the team setting their own goals and demonstrating a fighting spirit. Fans are encouraged to have a rational attitude towards the team’s performance. China’s group, which includes Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Indonesia, is highly competitive. The top two teams in each group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams will enter a play-off tournament.

As Japan prepares for their match against China, the team is focused and determined. A recent training session in Saitama saw the players going through drills and practicing as a team. Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was seen in action, preparing for the upcoming match. The training session, covered by Zhang Xiaoyu of Xinhua, a Chinese news agency, highlighted the team’s dedication and determination. Head coach Moriyasu Hajime was present, guiding the players and ensuring that they are ready for the challenge ahead. The training session is a crucial part of the team’s preparation for the World Cup qualifiers.

Junya Ito’s return to the national team is a timely boost for Japan. Ito, who was named in the 27-man squad for the first time since being accused of non-consensual sexual acts and withdrawing from the Asian Cup, expressed his happiness and desire to contribute to the team. The Japan Football Association clarified that his recall was not related to the accusations. Ito was relieved that the allegations were resolved and understood the difficulties in being called up before. His return is expected to add depth and versatility to Japan’s squad.

During the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Japan had a difficult start, losing two out of their first three matches. Ito played a crucial role in getting the team back on track by scoring in four consecutive games. He hopes to start the upcoming qualifiers strongly and avoid a similar situation. Ito acknowledged that they made it difficult for themselves last time and will aim to win decisively from the beginning. His speed and skills are valuable assets for the team, and he is determined to contribute to their success. Japan’s first match against China is an opportunity to set the tone for their qualifying campaign.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu’s strategy for the World Cup qualifiers involves leveraging the strengths of key players like Mitoma and Ito. He has been in constant touch with Ito, even when he was not selected for the team, showing his faith in the player’s abilities. Moriyasu’s decision to include Ito in the squad despite the past allegations demonstrates his commitment to building a strong team. The coach’s main concern is to avoid injuries and help the players adapt quickly. The team will face tougher tests ahead, including a match against Saudi Arabia, and every player’s contribution will be crucial.

As Japan embarks on their journey to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the team’s resilience and determination will be tested. The disappointment from the Asian Cup serves as a reminder of the challenges they face. However, with a strong squad and a clear focus, Japan has the potential to overcome these obstacles. The upcoming match against China is just the beginning of a long and arduous journey. With the right mindset and a collective effort, Japan can turn their Asian Cup disappointment into a stepping stone towards World Cup qualification. The road ahead is challenging, but the team is ready to rise to the occasion.