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Koki Ogawa (right) secured Japan’s victory over Iceland in a friendly match held in Tokyo on 31 May 2026.

The Japanese national football team continues its impressive form as the 2026 World Cup draws near.

The Blue Samurai began their international schedule as part of their preparation for the world’s biggest tournament on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

Japan hosted Iceland in the Kirin Challenge Cup 2026 friendly played at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo.

Iceland, their opponent this time, did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The selection of Iceland as an opponent was likely aimed at analysing Japan’s readiness to face Sweden, one of their group-stage rivals later in the tournament.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu appeared keen to test his tactical setup against a physically strong Northern European side.

Japan had not faced a team with such playing characteristics for several years.

The result turned out positive for the Blue Samurai, who clinched a narrow 1-0 victory.

The Asian powerhouse had to work hard for the win, only finding the breakthrough late in the game.

NEC Nijmegen striker Koki Ogawa scored the lone goal of the match in the 87th minute.

Ogawa headed in a precise cross from Yukinari Sugawara while falling under pressure from Iceland’s towering defenders.

His header struck the post before rolling into the net to give Japan the lead.

The 1-0 scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.

Another highlight of the night was the emotional farewell for Japan’s veteran captain, Maya Yoshida.

The 37-year-old defender, who previously played for Southampton and Sampdoria, was not included in the official World Cup squad but was given the opportunity to play his final match for the national team.

Yoshida was substituted in the 14th minute to a standing ovation, marking his 140th and final international cap.

This touching moment was made even more special as Japan extended their winning streak to six consecutive matches.

Since 14 October 2025, Japan have defeated Brazil (3-2), Ghana (2-0), Bolivia (3-0), Scotland (1-0), and England (1-0) before overcoming Iceland.

Even more impressively, Moriyasu’s men have won their last five games without conceding a single goal, maintaining a perfect clean sheet record.

This remarkable run sends a strong warning to their upcoming World Cup rivals.

Japan are set to compete in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden.

According to the official schedule released by the Japan Football Association (JFA) after the match against Iceland, Takefusa Kubo and his teammates have no further friendlies before the World Cup.

Their next agenda is to depart for the United States on 2 June.

On 8 June, they will hold an open training session at Geodis Park in Nashville.

The Tennessee city will serve as the Blue Samurai’s base throughout their World Cup campaign.