Japan are a serious Group F threat because their pressing, wide rotations, and European-based core translate well against elite opposition.
Japan can turn defensive organization into fast combinations through Kaoru Mitoma, Takefusa Kubo and runners from midfield.
Key question: Can Japan sustain their pressing quality across three very different group opponents?
Knockout ceiling: Round of 16 or quarter-final upside if finishing matches their ball-winning and transition quality.
Japan eliminated Germany and Spain in 2022. They have more European-based players than ever. Under Hajime Moriyasu, they've built the most tactically sophisticated Asian team in World Cup history. Don't sleep on them.
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