Japan's national football team is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against China in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier 🏆. With Asia's automatic qualification spots doubling to eight, the pressure is on as both teams battle in Group C alongside heavyweights Australia, Saudi Arabia, and others.
All eyes are on Japan’s squad as star attackers Junya Ito and Kaoru Mitoma return to the lineup. Mitoma, Brighton’s Premier League sensation 🚀, is back after recovering from a back injury that sidelined him for months. Meanwhile, Ito rejoins the team after sexual assault allegations against him were dropped earlier this year—though the Japanese FA insists his selection is purely based on skill.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu called the duo 'great weapons' for the team, adding: 'I want them to maximize their strengths and help us score.' 🇯🇵 Fans hope their firepower will secure Japan’s eighth straight World Cup appearance.
The match kicks off in Saitama on [date], with both teams vying for a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament across North America. Will China disrupt Japan’s dominance? 🤔⚽️
