Japan got their eighth consecutive World Cup off to a strong enough start, twice coming from behind to earn themselves a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.
A solid performance in Dallas will give Hajime Moriyasu and his team believe that they can compete with some of Europe and South America’s strongest teams in the USA, Mexico and Canada this summer.
The Samurai Blue have made each of the last seven World Cups having never previously qualified, and have only failed to make it out of the group stage on three occasions.
They defied the odds to finish above Spain, Germany and Costa Rica at the top of Group E at Qatar 2022, before losing on penalties to eventual bronze medalists Croatia in the round of 16 — which remains their best return to date.
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Japan odds to win the World Cup
Priced at 100/1 to win the World Cup, just a few months ago, Japan’s price has now been slashed to just 50/1 and they find themselves firmly within the ‘dark horse’ category still slightly longer than Morocco, but a short price than two-time winners Uruguay.
A friendly win over England increased appetite for Japan and their performance in the opening game did little to dampen those spirits.
Japan odds to win Group F
Japan now have a real chance of qualifying after their draw with the Netherlands, with Tunisia and the Uefa Path B winners Sweden still to come.
Despite the tough nature of the group, Japan are now heavily fancied to qualify, and now have a great chance of topping the group too.
Japan World Cup top goalscorer odds
Ayase Ueda is Japan’s top bet for the World Cup Golden Boot at 125/1. The 27-year-old has 16 goals in 36 senior caps for Japan, including seven during the qualification cycle for this tournament. At club level, Ueda is the Eredivisie top scorer this season with a phenomenal 22 goals in 25 appearances.
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