Lost to Brazil, Japan Returns from the 2026 World Cup with a Straight Head: The Distance Level is Getting Closer

JAKARTA - Japan has experienced too many disappointments in the World Cup. In the latest edition, the New Samurai lasted until the end on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, early morning WIB, but was eliminated from the tournament.

For the third time in a row, Japan took the lead in the knockout round and then lost. This year, they lost to five-time champions Brazil, 1-2 through a goal in the final minutes of injury time.

After four previous defeats in similar matches at the World Cup, Japan are still looking for their first victory in the knockout stages.

"We couldn't reach our goal this time, but we can target the next World Cup or maybe even after that."

"We have to work towards that goal. That's what we've been doing," Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said after the match.

Four years ago, Japan took the lead, but eventually lost to Croatia through a penalty shootout in the 16th round. Then, the Blue Samurai experienced a similar fate in the same round in 2018 when they were 2-0 ahead of Belgium, but lost 2-3 due to goals in injury time.

"I think history won't be kind to us. However, if we are able to overcome today, maybe we will see a time when history will change," Moriyasu said.

In the match against Brazil, Japan seemed to have broken their dark history in the knockout phase. Everything seemed to go well for Japan at the start of the match.

Kaishu Sano gave his team the lead in the 29th minute, but Casemiro equalised through a header in the 56th minute and Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner late in injury time.

Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki recorded four saves. He refused to answer questions after the heavy defeat despite showing a strong performance against one of the best teams in the world.

Japan have only beaten Brazil once in 15 matches, with two drawn. The only victory came in an October 2025 friendly.

However, Japan did not return with their heads bowed. Looking at the record of the meeting, as well as the latest defeat, the Blue Samurai saw that their level could catch up.

"The distance between us is getting smaller now. Brazil is a top team and we are definitely approaching that level," said Moriyasu.

Then he saw the defeat in the 2022 World Cup from Croatia in the 16th round - losing 1-3 on penalties after playing a 1-1 draw to two extra innings - as one of the benchmarks as well.

"We have to improve our game," he continued.

Moriyasu said after the match he told the players they had to remember the frustration they felt against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup and use it to help improve. Then, he took responsibility for the defeat.

"Winning the title is our dream and goal. We couldn't achieve it. As head coach, I told them that I was very sorry because I wasn't good enough to lead them to that level to achieve that goal," he said.

However, the defeat did not seem to dampen the mood in Japan. Fans who gathered to watch the match at a location near the Tokyo Tower, although the match ended at around 4 am local time, remained optimistic about the Blue Samurai.

"I want to thank the players, who never gave up no matter how difficult the situation was. They encouraged me to face the challenges in life," said one supporter, Miyu Hashiguchi, after watching the match.

Ryutaro Mori, a 20-year-old student, was moved by Japan's performance against a team of Brazil's calibre.

"It means a lot to Japan that even against a higher-ranked team, we scored the first goal," Mori said, quoted by ESPN.