Previous appearances: 8

Best finish: Champions (2018)

2024 result: Runners-up

How they qualified: AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ champions

Group D fixtures - Sept 6: v New Zealand; Sept 9: v United States; Sept 12: v Italy

Fun fact: Japan have featured in the final of the last three editions, emerging champions in 2018 and runners-up in the following two,

Head coach Ijiri, who masterminded Japan's AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ triumph, said Japan will be out to show they have improved since defeating DPR Korea 1-0 in the continental final.

"This will be my first World Cup, so of course I can’t wait for it to kick off. We’re looking forward to showing everyone the work we’ve put in, and we want to do so as soon as possible. I’m honestly counting down the days. We’re raring to go," said Ijiri to FIFA.com.

“I want us to showcase our technical skill, tactical understanding, organisation and commitment to attack and defend as a unit. These are the qualities that have been built up bit by bit by past squads, and they define Japanese football and the Nadeshiko spirit.

"With that said, there’s one part of the Nadeshiko spirit that I want to prioritise even more, and that’s our single-mindedness. It’s about working continuously, humbly and earnestly, never letting our heads drop, and competing right until the end.

"Our style is to play on the front foot and look to be tenacious and relentless in winning the ball. If I were to describe it in just one word, I’d probably say “grit”. I want us to show so much grit that even fans who’ve never seen us before will watch it and get a clear sense of our single-minded determination."

Having suffered heartbreak at the last step in the previous two editions, Japan are determined to get it right this time but Ijiri said his players know they are in for a tough challenge.

"Frankly, I think we’ve got a really tough group. Nonetheless, we’re not being negative about it. It’s a rare opportunity to play against sides like these, and it’s a chance to grow as a team and as individuals.

"You have to play seven games if you want to win the tournament, so for now I’d like us to focus on being prepared for the opener with New Zealand."

That will be followed by a showdown against the United States, whose last of three title triumphs was in 2012, with tournament debutants Italy their final Group D opponents.

Ijiri, however, said Japan have only one target.

"We want to win it, of course. We want to be the best in the world. This is what I’ve been impressing on the players since our very first team meeting back in February of last year and all of us, including the staff, are committed to achieving that goal. That’s my answer."

He has the players who can steer Japan to a second title, with AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 MVP Noa Fukushima and Mao Itamura headlining a strong squad that will surely rock on the global stage.