Japan is one of the continent’s top teams, but lost to Iran in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup in Qatar earlier in the year.
Captain Wataru Ando has urged Japan to put aside their recent struggles against Asian rivals as they look to qualify for the World Cup when they face China on Thursday.
Captain Wataru Ando has urged Japan to forget their recent struggles against Asian opposition heading into World Cup qualification against China on Thursday.
Japan is one of the continent’s top teams, but suffered a crushing defeat at the Asian Cup in Qatar earlier in the year, losing to Iran in the quarter-finals.
They also struggled in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, opening the third round with a home defeat to Oman and suffering an early loss to Saudi Arabia.
Japan open the third qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup against China in Saitama and Liverpool midfielder Endo believes he has the potential to make a strong start.
“We remember the loss in the opening game of the World Cup qualifier last time and we are also disappointed with the Asian Cup,” said Ando, who was linked with a move away from Anfield during the summer.
“We know it’s not easy, but we don’t want to focus too much on the negatives. We want to stay positive.” Japan has also been placed in Group C along with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Australia. The top two teams are guaranteed a place in the World Cup, while the third and fourth placed teams advance to the next round of qualifying. Japan coach Hajime Moriasu welcomed Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has not played for his country since the Asian Cup due to injury.
