The Japanese football team faced a disappointing quarterfinal exit at the Asian Cup earlier this year, but midfielder Wataru Endo is determined to move forward and focus on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against China and Bahrain. The upcoming matches are crucial for Japan to bounce back from their Asian Cup defeat in Qatar, where they were eliminated by Iran. Japan will be hosting China at Saitama Stadium in their quest for a positive start to the third round of qualifying, which also includes teams like Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
Despite being favorites to finish in the top two in Group C, Endo emphasized the importance of not underestimating their opponents in the Asian qualifiers. He acknowledged the tough competition that lies ahead and highlighted the need for a positive mindset to overcome challenges. The Liverpool player emphasized the importance of playing as a team and focusing on the opportunities ahead rather than dwelling on past setbacks.
If Japan fails to secure one of the automatic spots from Group C, they will have to navigate through an additional round of preliminaries to continue their World Cup qualifying campaign. Historically, Japan has struggled at the early stages of this round, as seen in their 1-0 defeat to Oman in the final round of qualifiers for Qatar 2022. With the Chinese team now under the guidance of experienced coach Branko Ivankovic, who has a proven track record against Japan, Endo highlighted the need to be cautious and prepared for a challenging opponent.
Endo expressed his respect for Ivankovic’s tactical acumen and ability to analyze Japan’s game. He acknowledged the potential threats posed by the Chinese attacking players and emphasized the importance of managing risks against their tall and strong opponents. As Japan strives to qualify for their eighth consecutive World Cup, Endo is aware of the tough road ahead but remains optimistic about the team’s ability to come together and overcome obstacles. The upcoming qualifiers against China and Bahrain will be crucial for Japan to showcase their strength and determination on the international stage.
