The third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup kicks off this week, and while Japan’s chances of missing out on a place at the expanded 48-team tournament are vanishingly slim, it will be keen to avoid similar slipups to those experienced in its opening games at this qualifying stage for the last two FIFA showpieces.
Samurai Blue lost 1-0 at home to Oman three years ago, and also went down 2-1 to the UAE in front of their own fans in their maiden third-round qualifier for the 2018 tournament in Russia.
On each of those occasions, Japan did recover to secure a smooth passage to the main competition, and with eight full World Cup slots now available for AFC countries it would take an absolute catastrophe for Hajime Moriyasu’s men to miss out on the next edition, which will be held in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
The 1st round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers will feature a match between the national teams of Japan and China on September 5, 2024. The favourite is obvious, but the guests will try to surprise their neighbour.
“The Samurai Blue” is one of the best teams in all of Asia. Suffice it to say that the team has been playing at every single World Cup since 1998, and has reached the play-offs on numerous occasions, including 2 previous ones. “The Dragon Team” has played at the World Cup only once, in 2002, losing all matches with a total score of 0-9.
The difference in class was also evident at the Winter Asian Cup. The Chinese team did not score a single goal there: there happened a couple of goalless draws in the confrontations with Tajikistan and Lebanon, a 0-1 result in the game against Qatar (and it was eliminated after the group stage). Moriyasu’s wards confidently advanced from the group, beat Bahrain with a 3-1 score, but stumbled in the meeting against Iran in the quarter-finals – they lost due to a penalty goal in the 6th minute of added time.
“The Samurai” had no problems with the previous round of qualification, except for the cancellation of the trip to the DPRK. As a result, there were 6 wins in 6 matches with a total score of 24-0. As for the Chinese team, it was headed by Branko Ivankovic in February, and took 5 points in 4 matches, mainly in the struggle with Singapore (there was also a home draw with Thailand and a defeat made by South Korea). As a result, the team overtook the Thais in the dispute for 2nd place only on additional parameters.
Japan’s Key Players
Japan’s squad for the opening match against China is a mix of experience and youth, featuring a number of players who have starred at both club and international level. Captain Wataru Endo, who joined Liverpool during the summer transfer window, will be a crucial player in the midfield, providing both defensive solidity and creative impetus. Another key player for Japan will be Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, who has returned to the squad after a lengthy injury layoff. Mitoma, known for his pace and dribbling skills, can be a real game-changer on the flanks.
China’s Hopes Reside in New Generation
While Japan boasts a wealth of experience at the international level, China is looking to build for the future with a new generation of players. The team will be hoping that their younger players can step up to the challenge and deliver a strong performance against Japan. China’s star forward Wu Lei, who plays for Shanghai SIPG, will be a key player for the visitors. He is a proven goal scorer at club level, but he will need to replicate that form on the international stage if China is to achieve a positive result against Japan.
The Coaches’ Perspective
Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu has stressed the importance of making a strong start to the qualifying campaign, as Japan had a disappointing start to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier’s final stage three years ago. While he acknowledges that Japan has made significant progress in last three years, he remains cautious and calls for a respectful approach towards China, ensuring everyone is in peak condition to deliver their best performance.
China’s coach Branko Ivankovic has also adopted a cautious tone, highlighting the strength of the Japanese side and their impressive record at the World Cup. He acknowledges that Japan has many outstanding players and is a formidable opponent. However, he remains confident in his team’s abilities and believes that China can pull off an upset if they execute their plan well and show determination on the field.
Key Matchup to Watch
The match between Japan and China is set to be a fascinating encounter. Both teams have different strengths and weaknesses, and it will be interesting to see how the match unfolds. One key matchup to watch is the battle in midfield between Wataru Endo and Wang Shangyuan. Endo is a tough-tackling midfielder with good passing range, while Wang is a more creative player who likes to play through balls. This midfield battle will likely decide the outcome of the match.
A Look Ahead
The match between Japan and China is just the beginning of a long and arduous qualifying campaign. Both teams will be looking to secure a strong start to the competition, but the true test of their credentials will come in the coming months. The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed sides will go into a further round of qualifying. It is going to be a tough journey, but both teams will be determined to make it to the World Cup in 2026.
Japan’s Path to Redemption
Japan will be looking to use this match as an opportunity to redeem themselves after their disappointing start to the previous qualifying campaign. They are a team with a rich history of success in international football, and they will be determined to make a statement against China. If they can secure a convincing victory, it will send a strong message to their rivals in the group.
China’s Chance to Surprise
For China, this match presents an opportunity to pull off a major upset and make a statement on the world stage. They are a team with a lot of potential, and they will be looking to prove themselves against a strong Japanese side. If they can manage to secure a draw or even a victory, it will be a massive boost to their confidence and morale.
This match is a must-watch for any football fan. It is a clash of styles, with Japan’s technical prowess going up against China’s physicality. The stakes are high, and both teams will be giving it their all.
The Future of Asian Football
The match between Japan and China is also a reflection of the growing strength of Asian football. Both teams are on the rise, and they are looking to make their mark on the world stage. The 2026 World Cup will be a significant event for Asian football, and this match is a taste of what is to come.
