Japan experienced a painful quarterfinal exit in the Asian Cup earlier this year, but midfielder Wataru Endo insists they must not be bogged down by this setback. Instead, they should approach the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against China and Bahrain with a positive mindset. Japan will host China at Saitama Stadium on Thursday as the third round of qualifying begins, aiming to recover from their Asian Cup disappointment in Qatar where a loss to Iran dashed their hopes of a record-extending fifth title.
Although Japan are the clear favorites to secure a top-two finish in Group C, which includes Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, Endo warns against complacency. "The Asian qualifiers are challenging matches, as we discovered at the Asian Cup," he noted. "These qualifiers will be a lengthy journey with tough matches ahead." However, he emphasized the need to focus on positive aspects rather than past negatives. "We must think positively. We can play as a team and overcome these challenges," added the Liverpool player.
If Japan, aiming to qualify for an eighth consecutive World Cup, fail to secure one of the two automatic spots from Group C, finishing third or fourth would prolong their qualification process. Historically, Japan has started slowly in this phase, losing 1-0 to Branko Ivankovic's Oman in their first game of the final round of qualifiers for Qatar 2022. Ivankovic, now coaching China, will be on the opposing bench on Thursday, and Endo is cautious of the experienced 70-year-old tactician, who has previously outmaneuvered Japan while in charge of Iran in 2005.
"He understands how to counter Japan," Endo remarked. "He knows how to analyze us and has effective tactics against Japan, as seen in past games." Endo acknowledged the need to manage the threats posed by China's attacking players and highlighted the physical presence of their tall and strong players that Japan must also contend with.
