"Japan is scary and worrying" — Brazil is trembling; the Round of 32 draw atmosphere is shifting... Morocco is also highly rated

*This content was translated by AI.

Japan's extraordinary performance is gradually changing the atmosphere surrounding the Round of 32 draw. As Japan has delivered performances exceeding expectations in the group stage, potential Round of 32 opponents are now paying close attention.

Under the guidance of coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Tunisia in their second 2026 FIFA World Cup North America group stage match, held on the 21st (Korea time) at Monterrey Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico. The match was as dominant in content as the scoreline suggested. According to football statistics platform Footystats, Japan controlled 62.1% of possession and outshot Tunisia 11-2 overall. They also demonstrated clinical finishing, converting four of their five shots on target into goals.

In this tournament, Japan was drawn into Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. Given the strength of their opponents, there were predictions that Japan would struggle to advance from the group stage. However, Japan overturned those expectations with their performance. In the first match, they drew 2-2 against the European powerhouse Netherlands, scoring an equalizer in the final moments of the second half after trailing 1-2 to secure a point. In the second match, they delivered a commanding victory over Tunisia, claiming their first win of the tournament.

As a result, Japan recorded one win and one draw (four points), placing second in Group F. The Netherlands, also with four points, defeated Sweden 5-1 on the same day and moved to the top of the group based on goal difference. Japan, too, kept their hopes alive for first place in the group thanks to their dominant win over Tunisia. Sweden sits third in the group with one win and one loss (three points), while Tunisia, having lost both matches (zero points), has been eliminated from the group stage.

Japan will face Sweden in their third group stage match on the 26th. The Netherlands will play against Tunisia. The final standings for Group F will be determined by the results of this final round.

The Round of 32 draw is not easy. If Japan advances from the group stage as the second-placed team in Group F, they will face the first-placed team from Group C in the Round of 32. If they advance as the top team from Group F, they will meet the second-placed team from Group C. The challenge lies in the fact that Group C is filled with strong teams. Alongside Brazil, the "eternal favorites," Morocco — considered the strongest team in Africa — and Scotland and Haiti are competing for positions. Currently, Brazil and Morocco are tied at the top of Group C with one win and one draw each, while third-placed Scotland (one win, one loss) is also aiming to advance. Haiti, having lost both matches, is already eliminated. Based on the current standings, Japan would face Brazil in the Round of 32.

Initially, there were many predictions that Japan's World Cup campaign would not be easy. The prevailing view was that facing Brazil in the Round of 32 would make victory nearly impossible. However, the mood is slowly changing. Japan played evenly against the Netherlands and displayed ruthless attacking power against Tunisia. Now, potential opponents are beginning to view Japan as a difficult team to face.

Even in Brazil, voices of caution regarding Japan have emerged. According to Brazilian media GloboPlay, former Brazil national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to victory in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, stated earlier about Japan and the Netherlands: "I am scared and worried. They are very organized teams. I cannot be sure whether Brazil players' individual skills can overcome the organizational strength of Japan and the Netherlands."

Brazilian media outlet UOL also highlighted the possibility of a Round of 32 matchup against Japan. The outlet stated, "The results of the second matches in Groups C and F have begun to reveal the Round of 32 draw. Under the current scenario, Brazil would face Japan. In this World Cup draw, the first-placed team from Group C will meet the second-placed team from Group F." It further explained, "One match remains, so the standings and draw could change depending on the final results."

Another Brazilian media outlet, Lance, also praised Japan's performance. The outlet reported, "Japan dominated and defeated Tunisia in their 1,000th match in World Cup history." The focus was on Japan's dominance over Tunisia.

In fact, Brazil cannot guarantee a win against Japan. Brazil lost 2-3 to Japan in a friendly match last October. At that time, Japanese forward Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord) scored the winning goal. Ueda also scored a brace in the recent match against Tunisia. He is in excellent form, having won the Eredivisie scoring title for the 2025-2026 season in the Netherlands.

Morocco also cannot afford to underestimate Japan. Morocco achieved the miracle of reaching the semifinals in the previous 2022 Qatar World Cup and recently won the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Japan's upward momentum is no small feat. Earlier, Moroccan media outlet Le360 Sport evaluated Japan as "an organized and solid team."

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*This content was translated by AI.