AFC Asian Cup
Denied a fifth title by a brilliant Qatar in the 2019 edition, Japan will enter the upcoming Finals boosted by a strong performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where they came agonisingly close to a first ever quarter-final appearance.
Factfile
FIFA World Ranking: 18
Previous Appearances: 9
Best Finish: Champions - 1992, 2000, 2004, 2011
2019 Result: Runners-up
Head Coach: Hajime Moriyasu
Fun Fact: Japan have only once failed to advance from the group stage - when they made their AFC Asian Cup debut in 1988
Previous Appearances: 9
Best Finish: Champions - 1992, 2000, 2004, 2011
2019 Result: Runners-up
Head Coach: Hajime Moriyasu
Fun Fact: Japan have only once failed to advance from the group stage - when they made their AFC Asian Cup debut in 1988
Their recent form is also a confidence booster, with Moriyasu's side kicking off their Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ campaign with a 5-0 win over Myanmar on Thursday.
The victory followed wins over former world champions Germany and Turkey in friendly matches, a strong indication of the squad Moriyasu can count on in Qatar 2023.
With a legion of Europe-based players at their disposal, Japan are well-placed to lift their fifth AFC Asian Cup title, with the fourth of their crowns having been won in Qatar 2011.
In fact, it is hard not seeing Japan as the Group D winners, although Indonesia, Iraq, and Vietnam will be equally determined to advance to the Round of 16.
Japan's Group D fixtures
14 January
v Vietnam (14:30 local time, Al Thumama Stadium)
19 January
v Iraq (14:30 local time, Education City Stadium)
24 January
v Indonesia (14:30 local time, Al Thumama Stadium)
14 January
v Vietnam (14:30 local time, Al Thumama Stadium)
19 January
v Iraq (14:30 local time, Education City Stadium)
24 January
v Indonesia (14:30 local time, Al Thumama Stadium)
