Japan have won the AFC Asian Cup four times (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011). The team was founded in 1921.
Overview
Japan's national football team, known as the Samurai Blue, is governed by the Japan Football Association, which was founded in 1921. The team competes within the Asian Football Confederation and has won the AFC Asian Cup four times, in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011, making Japan the most successful nation in that competition. Japan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup consistently since 1998, reaching the round of sixteen on several occasions.
The current squad includes experienced goalkeeper K. Osako alongside Z. Suzuki and T. Hayakawa. In defence, K. Itakura, H. Ito and the long-serving Y. Nagatomo bring considerable international experience. The squad also contains a number of forwards and midfielders active in European club football, reflecting the growing presence of Japanese players abroad.
Japan's next confirmed fixture is a World Cup qualifier on 26 March 2024. The team plays its home matches primarily in Japan and is among the most recognised sides in Asian football.
