Japan to win Women’s World Cup 2023 odds: Confirmed squad, best players, line-up and form

Japan will be hoping to conquer the world again at the World Cup this summer.

After back-to-back finals in 2011 and 2015 (including one win), Japan only made it to the last 16 at the 2019 World Cup, losing to Netherlands having only just scraped through their group. There was also disappointment at the 2022 Asian Cup, with Japan losing in the semi-finals on penalties to China, having been defending champions. What awaits Japan at the 2023 World Cup?

Latest Japan odds to win the Women’s World Cup

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Our recommended Japan bet for Women’s World Cup

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Japan’s route to the Women’s World Cup Final

Group Stage results

Who could Japan meet in the knockout rounds?

Sealing top spot in Group C with a 4-0 thrashing of Spain, Japan faced the runners-up of Group A, a battle of two former winners against Norway which they won 3-1. After that it’s Group G winners Sweden, who knocked out USA.

Should Japan get through that they could face Spain again in the semi-finals, or Group E winners Netherlands. If Japan manage to get past them, it could be England or France in the final.

Confirmed Japan Women’s World Cup squad

Japan players to watch at this year’s Women’s World Cup

Japan World Cup Golden Boot contender – Riko Ueki

She may not be the top scorer in the squad, that honour belongs to Mina Tanaka and her 23 goals, Riko Ueki is the leading woman for Japan at this World Cup — and it’s clear to see why. The 23-year-old has a good goalscoring record for Japan of eight goals in 21 appearances, including five at the 2022 Asian Cup. Then, she scored twice in the semi-final against China and thought she had won the game for Japan before Wang Shanshan’s equaliser late into extra-time. She also comes into the tournament off the back of an impressive season in the WE League season, scoring 14 goals for Tokyo Verdy Beleza to win the Golden Boot, including five goals in a 9-0 win over Elfen Saitama. Hinata Miyazawa has also been shining from the wings, with five goals at the World Cup.

Japan player to watch – Yui Hasegawa

In the middle of Japan’s midfield, looking to run the show will be Manchester City midfielder Yui Hasegawa, who had an excellent first season at the Academy Stadium. Signed from fellow Women’s Super League side West Ham last summer, Hasegawa played 20 of Man City’s 22 league games last season either as one of a two-player pivot or the No.6 in a 4-3-3. It’s a fitting role for the diminutive midfielder, who recently spoke of her admiration for former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta.

“When I was young, I loved watching Ronaldinho, it was just great to see the way he played. But after I began playing seriously, I really liked the style of Andres Iniesta,” Hasegawa told Sky Sports.

Japan emerging player to look out for – Maika Hamano

Japan have a really bright future, and it appears they’re trying to integrate it into the present with Maika Hamano confirmed in the 23-player squad. Less than a year ago, Hamano was winning the Golden Ball at the U20 Women’s World Cup, part of the Japan side which made it to the final before losing 3-1 to Spain. Hamano scored four goals across the tournament, also scooping the Silver Boot with only Inma Gabarro (who has made it into Spain’s preliminary squad) netting more. Since that tournament, Hamano has been signed by Chelsea and is currently on loan at Swedish side Hammarby, where she has six goals in 12 league games and has already helped the club win the Svenska Cupen with a goal and an assist in the final. The youngest player in the squad, Hamano has only recently turned 19 and is already looking like a future world beater. She may not play too much for Japan this summer, but keep an eye on her if she does get onto the pitch.

Japan tactical analysis & formation at the World Cup

This year Japan have gone for a five-at-the-back formation, switching between the 5-4-1 and 5-3-2 so there may be some variation at the World Cup — but you can expect them to have three centre-backs. Saki Kumagai is, of course, at the heart of the backline fresh from her move to Roma, with Miyake and Minami the favoured partners. The wing-backs, who will need a lot of energy to attack and defend, should come in the form of the capable Risa Shimizu and Jun Endo.

It’s been a two-player midfield at the World Cup so far with Hasegawa joined by Nagano and Hayashi respectively, with Japan really showing their depth. There is also strength in attack with Miyazawa on the wings and the likes of Tanaka and Ueki providing options through the middle.

Where are Japan in the FIFA world rankings?

Japan are currently 11th in the FIFA world rankings, and have been out of the top 10 since August 2021. They are very close on points to 10th-placed Australia, however, and may break into the top 10 with a better World Cup performance.

Who is the Japan manager?

Futoshi Ikeda is the current Japan manager, taking the role in 2021.

Who is the current Japan captain?

Veteran centre-back Saki Kumagai has been Japan captain since 2016, taking over from Aya Miyama.

How many times have Japan won the World Cup?

Japan are one-time World Cup winners, claiming the crown in 2011 by beating United States in the final.

How many times have Japan competed in the World Cup?

Japan are one of eight nations to have been involved at every World Cup so far, with this their ninth appearance.

Who has scored Japan’s most goals in World Cup tournaments?

Homare Sawa has scored eight goals for Japan at the World Cup, two more than any other player.

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