Japan will be looking to get things back on track on Thursday when they face North Korea in the Asian second-round qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, their first match since their below-par Asian Cup campaign.
The Samurai Blue failed to live up to their favorite tag in Qatar as they left the tournament in the quarterfinals following a series of mediocre performances, and a win against North Korea at Tokyo's National Stadium is set to provide a timely boost for their shattered confidence.
"We'll give all we have in the match right in front of us," manager Hajime Moriyasu told a press conference Wednesday. "I believe the important thing will be to win each situation we find ourselves in during the match."
Japan, 18th in the FIFA rankings, have won their first two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and will advance to the Asian final round if they can win both at home on Thursday and away to Pyongyang on Tuesday against the 114th-ranked North Korea.
"They are a team who bring their fighting spirit to the fore," Moriyasu said. "We need to be determined when vying for the ball and take control of the match."
As of Wednesday, no replacement has been called up after Kashima Antlers midfielder Kaishu Sano withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
Japan have won eight, drawn four and lost seven against North Korea to date.
Japan have never defeated North Korea in their past four matches in Pyongyang, however, drawing and losing twice each with the latest visit in 2011 ending in a 1-0 defeat.
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