On Tuesday 10 June, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced the Indonesia National Team in their final Group C match of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Asian Qualifiers at Suita City Football Stadium in Osaka. Having already secured their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance by topping the group, Japan rounded off the campaign with a dominant 6-0 victory.

KAMADA Daichi (Crystal Palace) scored twice in the first half, while KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad), who was named Player of the Match, and MACHINO Shuto (Holstein Kiel) both contributed one goal and two assists. Meanwhile, four players – SUZUKI Junnosuke (Shonan Bellmare), MITO Shunsuke (Sparta Rotterdam), SANO Kodai (NEC Nijmegen), and SATO Ryunosuke (Fagiano Okayama) – made their senior national team debuts, each playing a part in the victory.

Ahead of the World Cup, Japan made nine changes to the starting XI following the 5 June defeat to Australia in order to evaluate new talent and strengthen squad depth. Kamada and SANO Kaishu (Mainz 05) were the only two players to retain their starting spot. Machino led the line, supported by Kubo and Kamada in the attacking midfield roles, with MORISHITA Ryoya (Legia Warsaw) and Mito on the flanks. ENDO Wataru (Liverpool FC) and Sano Kaishu anchored the midfield, while the back three consisted of TAKAI Kota (Kawasaki Frontale), SEKO Ayumu (Grasshopper Club Zurich), and Suzuki, with OSAKO Keisuke (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) in goal.

Japan dominated from the outset, with Kamada and Kubo orchestrating a variety of attacks through the centre and on the wings to overwhelm the visitors.

The opening goal came in the 15th minute when Kamada delivered the ball to Mito on the left, surged into the box, and headed the cross from the wingman to make it 1-0.

Just four minutes later, Kubo took a short corner, received the ball back from Kamada, drove into the box and drilled a shot into the near corner. Although the goalkeeper blocked his initial shot, Machino reacted quickly to the loose ball and passed it to Kubo, who controlled the ball well, shifted his angle just enough, and fired home with his right foot to double the lead.

Indonesia, who had already clinched a playoff spot by securing a top four finish in the group, fielded a revamped squad under new manager Patrick KLUIVERT, the former Netherlands international forward. Several naturalised players now active in Europe had been added to the squad since their 0-4 defeat to Japan in Jakarta last November. Despite the enthusiastic support from their fans and a defensive 5-4-1 formation supplemented with long-ball tactics, they struggled to break through Japan’s solid defence, with striker Ole ROMENIJ, who had scored in three consecutive matches, being neutralised throughout.

Japan continued to apply pressure, with Mito's pace down the wing and the fluid interplay between Kubo and Machino posing constant threats. In additional time in the first half, Kubo played Kamada through into the box, where he evaded a defender and finished smartly with his right foot, making it 3–0 at half-time.

At half-time, Kamada was replaced by NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims), with Mito moving into a more central role as Japan maintained their attacking momentum.

In the 55th minute, Nakamura drove forward and laid the ball off to Machino, whose cross from the left was met by Morishita at the far post. His right-footed effort found the net for his first international goal, extending Japan’s lead to 4-0.

Just three minutes later, Kubo played a clever through ball behind the defence, which Machino latched onto before slotting it home with his left foot to score Japan’s fifth goal.

Sano Kodai was brought on in the 61st minute, joining his brother Kaishu on the pitch. He looked lively from the outset and almost scored six minutes after coming on, meeting a right-wing cross with a diving header.

Head coach MORIYASU Hajime made sure to maintain the pressure by making further substitutions, including 18-year-old Sato, HOSOYA Mao (Kashiwa Reysol) and TAWARATSUMIDA Kota (FC Tokyo). In the 80th minute, Suzuki passed to Tawaratsumida, who drove down the left and crossed for Nakamura. Although the keeper blocked his shot, Hosoya was on hand to tap in the rebound and make it 6-0.

Japan secured their first win in three matches by restricting Indonesia to zero shots and taking 16 themselves. They topped Group C with seven wins, two draws and one loss, amassing 23 points. Their 30 goals across 10 matches were the highest in all three groups of the final round, while they conceded the fewest goals, with only three.

Elsewhere in Group C, Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 away, finishing second with 19 points and booking their place in the World Cup for the sixth consecutive tournament. Saudi Arabia came third with 13 points, while Indonesia finished fourth with 12 – both progressing to the playoffs. Meanwhile, China PR beat Bahrain 1-0 at home to finish fifth with nine points, overtaking Bahrain, who ended up in sixth place with six points.

In Group A, IR Iran, who had already secured their seventh World Cup appearance and fourth consecutive qualification, defeated DPR Korea 3-0 to finish top with 23 points. Uzbekistan, who had secured their first ever qualification, won 3–0 against Qatar and ended with 21 points. The UAE drew 1–1 with the Kyrgyz Republic to claim third place with 15 points, while Qatar finished fourth with 13 points, also earning a play-off spot. Kyrgyz Republic (eight points) and DPR Korea (three points) were fifth and sixth respectively.

In Group B, Korea Republic, who had already secured their 11th consecutive and 12th overall World Cup appearance, defeated Kuwait 4–0 at home to finish the group stage unbeaten with 22 points (six wins and four draws). Jordan, who secured their maiden World Cup appearance, lost 0-1 at home to Iraq, ending on 16 points in second. Iraq came third with 15 points. Oman’s 1-1 away draw with Palestine gave them the single point needed to move ahead into fourth and secure a playoff spot, leaving Palestine (10 points) in fifth place and out of contention. Kuwait finished bottom of the group with five points.

With these results, six of the eight Asian slots for the FIFA World Cup 26™ have now been claimed. The remaining two will be determined through the playoffs (Fourth Round).

The play-offs, scheduled for October, will feature six teams divided into two groups of three. The winners of each group will qualify directly for the World Cup. The runners-up will compete in the Fifth Round in November, with the winner progressing to the intercontinental playoff in March next year. This tournament will feature six teams – one each from Africa, South America and Oceania, and two from the North, Central America and Caribbean region, as well as the Asian qualifier – competing for the final World Cup spot.

The FIFA World Cup 26™ will be hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, kicking off on 11 June 2026.

Coaches and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Head Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
After losing to Australia, we knew that we could not afford to lose again, especially at home. The players were determined to conclude this qualifier with a win, and I was very pleased to see them demonstrate that determination through their performance. They played consistently positively and aggressively, always striving for a goal, and they fought with intensity, tenacity and resilience in every situation. Since March, we have made significant changes to the squad, with seven players receiving their first call-up. Despite these changes, all of the players have committed themselves to daily training with a mindset of continual improvement. This campaign was based not only on our past performances, but also on shaping our future. I wanted to assess how the returning players had developed and understand the strengths and qualities of the new players within our team's tactical framework. I feel they were able to demonstrate their individual strengths while working collectively. Regarding Kubo's role as captain, I wanted to give him the armband because I see him as a leader of his generation. I discussed this with Endo, and we both agreed that he should wear it today.

Although we haven’t yet reached the point where we can consistently beat the world's top teams, we have proven that we can reliably win in Asia. This is despite the challenges we face, such as long journeys and changes in climate. The players have continued to give their all for Japan, both at club level and with the national team, and I believe this commitment has paid off. The team-building process is certainly progressing well. We have been able to deepen the squad by testing players with less international experience in these tough final qualifying matches. I also think that switching to a two-striker formation towards the end of today's match has broadened the team’s tactical options. I got the impression that all the players, including those with less experience, showcased their individual talents effectively. However, there’s still a considerable gap between the new players and the core players who have produced consistent results. Nevertheless, the younger players could improve drastically with just one positive experience. I believe that some of them could push their way into the final squad for the World Cup. With just one year to go until the tournament begins, we must seize every opportunity and continue building strength purposefully.

DF #3 TAKAI Kota (Kawasaki Frontale)
I'm glad we managed to keep a clean sheet as a team. I played a few successful vertical passes and I'm happy with my attacking play too. After the match against Australia, we discussed issues such as our approach to covering the near zone, our quality in the final third and our understanding of the team's overall tactics. I feel like we have improved in these areas. Compared to the previous match, there was more space between defence and attack, allowing me to get behind the lines more easily. However, I want to be able to play like that against stronger opponents. With only a year left until the World Cup, I intend to keep improving so that I can make the final squad.

DF #4 SUZUKI Junnosuke (Shonan Bellmare)
Our attackers always find a way, and that’s where I really felt the national team is a step above. Things are different at Shonan, but I want to take what I’ve learned here and continue to apply it to improve myself. One of my strengths is my ability to intercept passes, and I think I managed to stay focused during the crucial moments. I went into the match prepared to play the full 90 minutes, and I’m glad I made it through without any problems.

MF/FW #6 ENDO Wataru (Liverpool FC/England)
It was our head coach who suggested that Kubo should captain the team, and I also thought it would be a great opportunity for him. With the addition of new players, Kubo had already demonstrated his leadership skills during training, and I believe he has earned the team's trust. (As for him wearing the armband) I still thought it didn't quite suit him. (with a laugh) But on the pitch, he certainly displayed his individual qualities and put in an excellent performance. I think it was a valuable opportunity for him to take a step forward in his development as a player. My role in the centre didn’t really change in terms of my relationship with Sano Kaishu, but I made a conscious effort to adjust my position to make the most of his strengths.

MF/FW #10 KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad/Spain)
Despite the rain, we had so many fans and supporters turn out. After losing the last match, we knew we couldn’t afford to lose another one, so I’m glad we managed to secure a clean-sheet victory. (Regarding the goal) The ball just came to me, so I had to keep my composure and slot it home. Endo, who usually captains the team, is strong in duels and defensive transitions, so today I tried to approach the game as if I were him, focusing particularly on making quick transitions. I was happy to make some good interceptions and link them to our attacks. With new players being added to our squad, a new level of competition has emerged. With the limited time we have left before the World Cup, we all need to push ourselves at our respective clubs and raise our game, so that we can go into the tournament in the best possible condition.

MF/FW #14 MITO Shunsuke (Sparta Rotterdam/Netherlands)
It felt a little strange playing in Japan again for the first time in a while, but I was able to play as usual. Even without doing much, the ball kept coming to me, so I just focused on taking on the opponents from there. Our defenders provided me with some great passes, which made things easier, too. (Regarding the good coordination up front) I think it came down to our forwards positioning themselves in open spaces and everyone doing a good job of covering for one another. Getting an assist today doesn't guarantee my place in the national team in the future, so I need to keep improving once I return to my club.

MF/FW #15 KAMADA Daichi (Crystal Palace/England)
Kubo made a great turn and played the ball through exactly where I wanted it, so I just had to keep my composure to finish it off. Building on what we learned from the match against Australia, Sano Kaishu did well to maintain a higher position and support our attacks. Whenever Kubo and I had the ball, he made good overlapping runs and got into the right positions at the right moments, enabling us to work well together. We expect more issues to arise as we play more matches together, but we intend to face each challenge as a team and overcome them one by one.

MF/FW #17 MORISHITA Ryoya (Legia Warszawa/Poland)
I've had similar goal-scoring chances in Poland, so I was able to stay calm to capitalise on it. I kept making forward runs whenever the ball was on the far side, and I think that’s what led to the goal. When Machino lifted his head, I made sure I was in a position to score. Scoring goals is part of my playing style, and I believe my strength lies in my ability to make those hard runs without hesitation. I have good stamina, but since moving abroad I’ve been refining how to make the most of it. Having been named in the starting line-up, I was able to channel my frustration and disappointment from the previous match and use them as motivation on the pitch.

MF/FW #18 MACHINO Shuto (Holstein Kiel/Germany)
(Regarding the goal) Kubo played me a great ball, so I focused on making good contact. Up front, I tried to act as a target man, making the most of the talented players in midfield and getting into the box to finish. While scoring one goal and assisting two does give me confidence, I’m not satisfied because I felt I could have scored another two or three. I want to keep pushing myself, especially as I know I need to deliver results to make the final World Cup squad. I will prepare so that I can make an impact every time I step onto the pitch.

MF/FW #21 SATO Ryunosuke (Fagiano Okayama)
I came on in place of Kubo. Of course I would have liked to play alongside him, but he’s such a special player that I think there's meaning in taking his place. I think he said something like 'Enjoy it' as I came on. I was desperate to score, so I can’t say I’m satisfied with my performance today. However, I did manage to deliver a few crosses, and I enjoyed myself out there. There were some amazing attacking plays in the first half, and I found myself admiring them from the bench at times. But all along, I was preparing myself mentally to come on in the second half. As the team scored more goals, I felt my chance to play was approaching.

Patrick KLUIVERT, Head Coach of Indonesia National Team
Japan are a fantastic team, and I believe they fully deserved the win. They showed great quality and controlled the match. They’re a World Cup-level side, and I have a lot of respect for them. The result is, of course, disappointing, and I feel we let our supporters down. But we are currently in a very important learning phase, and there is much we can take from this match and situation. For us, the key moment is the play-off coming in October. We will do our best to apply the lessons learned from today’s match in that decisive fixture.

AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road To 26

Fixture: SAMURAI BLUE vs Indonesia National Team
Date: Tue. 10 June 2025, 19:35
Venue: Suita City Football Stadium (Osaka)
Tournament information