SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) closed out their final home fixture before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a 1-0 victory over Iceland in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2026 “Together We Are Stronger”, played at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday 31 May.

With Japan’s World Cup opener in the United States just over two weeks away, head coach MORIYASU Hajime had spoken before the match about the importance of bringing the entire squad closer to full match fitness, suggesting that players with limited playing time and those returning from injury could be given opportunities. His starting line-up reflected that intention.

Japan lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. SUZUKI Zion (Parma Calcio 1913) started in goal behind a back three of TOMIYASU Takehiro (AFC Ajax), making his first international appearance since June 2024, YOSHIDA Maya (LA Galaxy), and ITAKURA Kou (AFC Ajax). In midfield, ENDO Wataru (Liverpool FC), making his return after an ankle injury and his first competitive appearance in around three and a half months, partnered TANAKA Ao (Leeds United) in the holding roles. NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims) and DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt) operated as wing-backs, while UEDA Ayase (Feyenoord) led the line ahead of attacking midfielders ITO Junya (KRC Genk) and KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad). Yoshida, called up specifically for this fixture, captained the side for the first time since the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

Japan looked to build attacks down the left from the outset. In the eighth minute, Itakura won possession before linking up with Nakamura and Kubo. Receiving the return pass, Nakamura drove into the area and attempted a shot on goal.

A special moment arrived in the 13th minute when Yoshida, making his first international appearance in around three and a half years and looking assured both in the air and in possession, was substituted. As 62,212 supporters rose to applaud, both teams formed a guard of honour, and the veteran defender left the pitch after passing the captain’s armband to Endo.

Following the substitution, ITO Hiroki (Bayern Munich) entered the match and took up the left-sided role in the back three, with Itakura moving into the central position. However, Japan found it difficult to break down Iceland’s compact 5-4-1 block, with passing lanes regularly closed off and clear opportunities hard to create.

Nevertheless, chances gradually came. In the 36th minute, Kubo tested the goalkeeper from distance following a free-kick situation, and two minutes later Nakamura headed towards goal from Kubo’s cross after a strong run down the right. Then, during additional time of the first-half, Nakamura cut in from the left side of the penalty area and pulled the ball back for the advancing Tomiyasu, who was unable to direct his effort on target.

Although Iceland failed to qualify for this World Cup, they showed plenty of organisation both in possession and in defence. Logi TOMASSON tried his luck from distance in the 31st minute, while Dagur Dan THORHALLSSON also struck from range shortly before half-time, but SUZUKI was on hand to make the save.

With the match still goalless at the break, Moriyasu made four changes for the second half, introducing SEKO Ayumu (Le Havre AC) in midfield, NAGATOMO Yuto (FC Tokyo) and SUGAWARA Yukinari (Werder Bremen) at wing-back, and OGAWA Koki in attack. The substitutions gave Japan greater attacking impetus.

In the 51st minute, Itakura met a left-sided corner with a volley, before Nagatomo tried his luck five minutes later. Ogawa fired an effort with his right foot in the 63rd minute, and moments afterwards Nakamura burst through on goal after meeting an incisive through pass from Kubo.

Japan made further changes in the 73rd minute, introducing GOTO Keisuke (Sint-Truidense VV), SHIOGAI Kento (VfL Wolfsburg) and WATANABE Tsuyoshi (Feyenoord). The move gave Japan more attacking options, with Shiogai partnering Ogawa up front in a two-striker system and Seko operating as the lone holding midfielder. Ten minutes later, TANIGUCHI Shogo (Sint-Truidense VV), SANO Kaishu (Mainz 05) and goalkeeper HAYAKAWA Tomoki (Kashima Antlers) were also introduced.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 87th minute.

Patiently circulating possession from side to side against Iceland’s well-organised defence, Japan waited for the right opening. Taniguchi switched play to the right flank, where Sugawara delivered a cross into the penalty area. Ogawa attacked the narrow space between two defenders and met the ball with a diving header, sending it into the net. Iceland were playing with ten men at the time under the new substitution regulations that will also be in effect at the World Cup.

Iceland pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages and threatened from several free-kicks and corners, but Hayakawa produced sharp saves to preserve Japan’s lead and secure the victory. It marked a fifth consecutive clean-sheet win for SAMURAI BLUE since the victory over Ghana last November.

Following the match, a send-off ceremony was held for the squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Moriyasu addressed the crowd, saying: “We will take on the world with Yamato-Damashii (the spirit of Japan) and with pride in who we are. We ask for the support of the entire nation.” Endo added: “This group will carry the hopes of everyone with us. Whatever happens, we will fight until the very end. Let’s experience something truly special together.” Making their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, Japan now set their sights on reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and achieving even greater heights.

The squad will depart Japan on Tuesday 2 June and travel to Monterrey, Mexico, for a pre-tournament training camp before moving to Nashville, USA, which will serve as their base during the competition. In Group F, Japan will face the Netherlands on 14 June (15 June Japan time), Tunisia on 20 June (21 June Japan time), and Sweden on 25 June (26 June Japan time). The top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. The final will be played on 19 July (20 July Japan time).

Coach and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Head Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
Preparing the squad for this match was not easy, given the different physical conditions of the players. However, the players worked hard every day to improve their fitness, took on board the information and responsibilities provided by the coaching staff, and developed a shared understanding of our tactical approach. Within the limited time available, they did everything they could to prepare, and I believe they arrived at the match in the best possible condition.

Iceland are a good side, and it was a tough match. They were difficult to break down, and there were moments when we came under pressure, particularly from their counter-attacks. What pleased me was that we remained patient throughout, kept a clean sheet and never lost sight of the need to keep attacking. I think this was good preparation for the World Cup because matches like this are bound to happen during the tournament. It was a valuable rehearsal in staying composed, finding a way through and ultimately winning the game.

We used all 11 substitutions and changed our shape several times, but the team remained organised throughout. That reflects the players’ understanding of the tactical work we have been doing and their ability to carry it out on the pitch. In that respect, there were plenty of positives to take from the match. At the same time, there are still areas we need to improve before the World Cup. We need to continue working on both our physical condition and our tactical preparation and make the most of the time we have left before the tournament begins. Endo and Tomiyasu both delivered solid performances today. However, knowing the level they are capable of reaching, there is still more to come from them. I am sure this match will help them move forward, and as a team we will do everything we can to support them during the remaining preparation period.

DF #15 TOMIYASU Takehiro (AFC Ajax/Netherlands)
I think I probably could have played the full match if needed. I still felt I had more in me when I came off. I've been training consistently, so I felt I had built a good foundation going into the game. Players like Doan and Kubo have so much quality that I probably could have used them a little more simply at times and got them on the ball more often. As for my chance in front of goal, my first thought was simply to get the shot on target. Of course, it would have been nice to score, but hopefully I can get one at the World Cup.

DF #22 YOSHIDA Maya (LA Galaxy/USA)
I really enjoyed it. Having only ten minutes to play meant I could go at full intensity from the start. I knew what to expect from the opposition, and I had thought about how I could make the most of my strengths. It's difficult to show everything in such a short period of time, but I focused on doing what I needed to do and making the most of the opportunity.

MF/FW #6 ENDO Wataru (Liverpool FC/England)
Playing half of the match was very important for me personally. As a team, it was also good that we managed to score late and come away with the win. Of course, nobody is completely satisfied with the performance itself, but the important thing is that we got the win and can now head to the World Cup on a high note. It was also valuable for several players who had not played much recently to get important minutes under their belts. We still have two weeks to go, and hopefully we can continue preparing well as a team and arrive at the tournament in the best possible condition.

MF/FW #8 KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad/Spain)
It was great to see Yoshida back on the pitch. It brought back a lot of memories. Being able to hold a ceremony and properly recognise a player who has contributed so much to the team is a positive step for Japanese football and something I think is very important. On top of that, we were able to finish the occasion with a win and without letting the match lose its intensity, so it was a very positive day all round. It was a difficult game, but we found a way to win. We also learned that, under the new regulations, if the opposition leave openings or show any lapses, we can turn those situations into opportunities for ourselves. Overall, I think it turned out to be a very useful test ahead of the World Cup.

MF/FW #10 DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt/Germany)
As I was playing, I kept thinking that this was exactly the kind of match we might face at the World Cup. The opposition were marking me quite closely on a man-to-man basis, which made things difficult at times. Even so, as long as we kept a clean sheet in the first half, I felt spaces would eventually begin to open up after the break. There were periods when the game was not going our way, but the fact that we did not concede is another sign of our progress. That said, against well-organised opponents, I think we sometimes need to be a little bolder, whether that means players changing positions or trying something different tactically. I had expected a match of this nature against Tunisia as well, so I think it was very good preparation for what lies ahead.

MF/FW #13 NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims/France)
In the first half we created some good situations and managed to break them down a few times, so there were chances I really should have taken. On a couple of occasions, I hesitated between passing and shooting and ended up doing neither particularly well. In the second half there were moments when we were a step behind and allowed the opposition to create chances of their own. Personally, it had been a while since my last match, so I felt a little short of match sharpness. That's why getting game time today was very important for me. I don't need to be at my peak right now. There is still time before the tournament starts, and the goal is to make sure I reach my top form when it matters most.

Arnar GUNNLAUGSSON, Head Coach of Iceland National Team
I thought we played a very good match. Japan controlled possession for the first 15 minutes, but after that we settled into the game, defended well and managed to create a few dangerous attacking situations of our own. We were facing an outstanding team, and I am very pleased that our players came all the way here and produced a performance of this level in such a difficult environment. Yoshida is a Japanese legend with a remarkable career and someone who deserves enormous respect. Watching him today, I found myself wondering why he was coming off after only ten minutes. I was delighted to be part of the ceremony honouring him, and I wish him all the best for the future.

Fixture: SAMURAI BLUE vs Iceland National Team
Date: Sun. 31 May, 19:25
Venue: Japan National Stadium, Tokyo
Match information

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