Japan starting lineup vs Tunisia confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The Samurai Blue return to World Cup action against Tunisia.
Having failed to advance from the group stage in 2014, Japan are on track to reach the knockout phase for the third time in a row.
The Samurai Blue salvaged a late 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their previous encounter, coming from behind twice to even things up. Now they face an easier opponent, knowing that success will almost surely ensure progression.
Japan have drawn once, refusing to concede to a highly ranked European nation. They now play a squad that was humiliated so badly in its first encounter that the manager was instantly removed.
The Samurai Blue showed great tenacity against the Netherlands, coming back twice to earn a 2-2 draw. They maintain their impressive previous World Cup record.
Daichi Kamada’s late equaliser was the deciding moment. Hajime Moriyasu will have been quietly pleased despite admitting he expected more from his performance. Japan will try to control the game and go to the knockout rounds against a disorganised Tunisia team.
Also read: Tunisia starting lineup vs Japan confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
Japan starting lineup vs Tunisia
Japan lineup (3-4-2-1): Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Itakura, H. Ito; Doan, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura; J. Ito, Tanaka; Ueda.
Substitutes: Osako, Hayakawa, Taniguchi, Seko, J. Suzuki, Watanabe, Negatomo, Maeda, Y. Suzuki, Machino, Goto, Ogawa, Shiogai
Takefusa Kubo was forced to leave the Netherlands draw 15 minutes before the finish. It is ruling him out of this match and maybe the rest of the group stage. Junya Ito, a 33-year-old veteran, is taking over his spot in Japan’s starting lineup
Aside from the occasional adjustment, changing things just for the sake of it was unlikely. The manager, Hajime Moriyasu, will use almost the same lineup against Tunisia.
Which player will miss the game?
Takefusa Kubo, who was injured against the Netherlands.
Where do they stand in the table?
They are third in Group F.
Where will they play against Tunisia?
Estadio BBVA, en Guadalupe, Nuevo León, México.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.