Japan World Cup 2026 Preview: Lineup, Best Players, Group, & Picks

Japan is headed to World Cup 2026, set to compete in Group F, and many anticipate them moving on to the knockout stage despite dealing with injuries to notable players ahead of the tournament.

Below, we’ll break down Japan’s projected starting lineup, best players, group outlook, strengths and weaknesses, and top World Cup picks on PrizePicks.

Over on PrizePicks Team Picks, you can make a prediction on how national teams will perform in the 2026 World Cup, including tournament winner, group winner, and knockout-stage advancement markets.

Make Japan World Cup predictions on PrizePicks to earn $$$ if you’re right!

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Japan Projected Starting Lineup for World Cup 2026

Injuries have mounted for Japan ahead of the World Cup, as MF Takumi Minanimo, F Kaoru Mitoma, and DF Koki Machida are all absent from the squad. Nevertheless, Japan still has a fast-paced attack, led by MF Takefusa Kobo and F Ayase Ueda.

In addition to Kobo and Ueda, manager Hajime Moriyasu’s side features Premier League talent with MF Ao Tanaka, MF Daichi Kamada, and MF Wataru Endo all available.

Projected Japan Formation: 3-4-2-1

• Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki
• Defense: Hiroki Ito, Ko Itakura, Ayunu Seko
• Midfield: Keito Nakamura, Yukinari Sugawara, Ao Tanaka, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kobo
• Forwards: Ayase Ueda

The Japan World Cup XI could change based on form, injuries, and matchup, but Japan’s core should be built around their attacking duo of Takefusa Kobo and Ayase Ueda.

How Japan Qualified for World Cup 2026

Japan was the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, securing a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in the third round of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) qualifiers.

The Samurai Blue outscored their opponents 30-3 in the final two rounds of qualification, so they’re in stellar form entering the tournament.

Best Player for Japan: Ayase Ueda 

Although Kobo led Japan in goals + assists (12) during qualification, Ueda led the team in goals (8) and is coming off an extremely productive domestic campaign with Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.

Over his 40 caps in all competitions this season, Ueda tallied 26 goals. Ueda is a pure scorer with 25 goals and 1 assist in Eredivisie matches, and he led Feyenoord in xG per 90 minutes (0.67), per FotMob.

Ahead of Japan’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands on June 14, PrizePicks has Ueda’s More or Less goals projection set at 0.5 for that contest.

What to Expect From Japan at the World Cup

FIFA World Ranking: 18

Japan Best World Cup Result: Round of 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022

Japan is an electric team that presses often, and they’ve certainly discovered a way to get results in previous World Cups. On the other hand, the absence of Mitoma looms large, and the Netherlands and Sweden are formidable opponents in Group F.

Sans Mitoma, Samurai Blue’s attack will run through Kubo (who has been labeled “the Japanese Messi”) and Ueda. A midfield of Tanaka and Kamada both have a high work rate, and their ability to generate scoring chances and go for goal is invaluable.

Physicality can certainly be a weakness for Japan, so teams that can impose their physical prowess and earn set pieces consistently could spell trouble for Morisayu’s squad.

Japan Picks for 2026 World Cup

Here are some Japan picks on PrizePicks for the 2026 World Cup. Check out more of our soccer picks and predictions on Playbook.

The World Cup payouts listed below indicate real-money earnings if a prediction is correct; for example, a 2x on a $100 entry pays out $200 on PrizePicks Team Picks. Payouts are live as of writing but are subject to change.

Japan to Win The 2026 World Cup

Yes 33.33x | No N/A

Qualifying for eight straight World Cups and advancing to the round of 16 in three of those is no easy feat. However, the outlook for Japan hoisting the trophy at the end of the tournament could be slim.

Pick Japan to win the World Cup on PrizePicks.

Japan to win World Cup Group F

Yes 3.33x | No 1.29x

In Group F, Japan will square off against the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. Presently, Japan has the second-lowest payout to win Group F (only behind the Netherlands), and their experience may come in handy.

While the Samurai Blue have yet to get further than the round of 16, it wouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to see them emerge as the victors from Group F.

Pick Japan to win World Cup Group F now!

Japan to Advance to World Cup Knockout Stage

Yes 1.21x | No 4x

If the AFC qualifiers are a preview of what to expect from Japan in this year’s tourney, they are in a stellar spot to advance beyond the group stage.

Sweden and Tunisia are both ranked 38th or worse in the FIFA World Rankings, potentially improving Japan’s chances of reaching the knockout stage.

‍Make Japan World Cup predictions on PrizePicks now!

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Make Japan World Cup Picks on PrizePicks

Japan are an extremely fun team to watch, and the Samurai Blue have earned solid finishes at the World Cup over the years. Will Japan’s dynamic attack be enough for them to contend this time around?

You can make your Japan and 2026 World Cup picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money on World Cup games. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats like shots or goals, and cash in if you’re correct. 

With Team Picks, make predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 35 states. 

Stick around with the Playbook for continued World Cup predictions, picks, and analysis through the end of the tournament.