Japan
Japan
The Japanese Women’s football team are one of the most formidable teams in football. Currently the number 1 ranked team in Asia (5th in the world) Japan have a squad packed with attacking threats and major tournament experience, reaching the semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics following a strong showing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nadeshiko, the official nickname of the Japanese Women’s Football team, are known for their technical possession-based football, combining quick passing and tactical discipline. Led by Yui Hasegawa (over 90 international matches for Japan) and one of the greatest players in Asia, Saki Kumagai (over 150 internationals), the Nadeshiko possess quality across the pitch, with 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa a constant goal-scoring threat.
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As the first Asian team to win a senior FIFA World Cup (in 2011) Japan are definitely one of the teams to beat in 2026. Saki Kumagai was instrumental in Japan’s 2011 victory that saw Japan hold their nerve to defeat USA in penalty shootout. In 2015 Japan again made the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finishing runners-up to the USA. The two-time AFC Women’s Asian Cup winners (2014 and 2018) have developed a strong rivalry with Australia defeating the 2026 hosts 1-0 in both of their wins. Football fans will be treated to another epic should Nadeshiko play the Matildas in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup again.
With many Japanese players currently playing for clubs in Europe and the USA friendships will be put aside in March 2026. Saki Kumagai currently plays for London City Lionesses, previously having played at Bayern Munich, Lyon and AS Roma, while Yui Hasegawa plays for Manchester City. Also playing in the WSL Hinata Miyazawa (Manchester United), Risa Shimizu (West Ham) and Fuka Nagano (Liverpool) bring a wealth of experience, while Jun Endo plays at Angel City FC in the NWSL (USA).
