Moriyasu: Japan want to inspire Asian teams with World Cup display

Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu wants his side to inspire other Asian countries with their performances at the World Cup.

Japan booked their place in the round of 32 following a 1-1 draw with Sweden, which was enough to clinch second place in Group F.

Ritsu Doan assisted Daizen Maeda for a sublime opening goal, and Japan (10, with Germany) now have the joint-most players with a direct goal involvement at this tournament.

Japan have also gone unbeaten against European opposition in 11 straight games (W8 D3), the longest unbeaten stretch against European foes in their history, surpassing a 10-game run from May 2006 to May 2009.

Moriyasu’s side are just the second Asian side to go unbeaten in five consecutive World Cup games (also South Korea between 1998 and 2002), and he is proud of the way his team are representing the continent.

“We are representing Japan, but we’re proud to be representing Japan towards the world,” Moriyasu told AFP.

“And of course, now we are representing Asia. I know that other Asian teams are not as successful.

“Even if we couldn’t get the win, I would like us to be able to encourage other Asian teams as well, and we would like to be their hope.

“Also, if we have good competitions among Asian teams, that can get the level up.”

𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗
𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝟯𝟮

3大会連続のノックアウトステージ進出！
日本一丸で #最高の景色を

SAMURAI BLUEはまだまだいける。次もみんなで！
@FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/N9A6FhRnUB

— サッカー日本代表  (@jfa_samuraiblue) June 26, 2026

Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also believes Japan’s unbeaten group-stage campaign will boost their confidence ahead of a tricky last-32 clash against Brazil.

“I think we achieved what was important – conceding the minimum, not losing, and securing at least a point,” said the goalkeeper.

“Being able to carry this unbeaten momentum into the Brazil match next is definitely positive.”

Anthony Elanga, meanwhile, scored Sweden’s goal in the draw; he is their first player to score in consecutive World Cup matches since Martin Dahlin and Kennet Andersson in 1994.

Elanga’s goal (28.9 meters) was the second-longest range goal scored by a Sweden player at a World Cup on record (since at least 1966), behind Anders Svensson’s goal against Argentina in 2002 (30.2 meters). 

Sweden have guaranteed their place as one of the best third-placed teams, and they will face France in the next round as things stand.

“Sweden were a brave team today. And don’t forget, we’re a young team as well and we really fought for the draw,” Elanga told FIFA.

“Of course, we wanted to win. But we have to remember, Japan are a good team. They have been unbeaten for a long time.

“They played really well and they’re a very organised team that have played many years together.

“We’ve got to respect our opponents, respect them, and all we can do now is focus on the next game.”