)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is two years away, but Asian giant Japan has been declared favourites after another thrilling performance.
Football fans have named Asian country Japan as the favourite to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America.
Pulse Sports can report that this reaction followed Japan’s latest outing which saw them score four goals again to extend their unbeaten run.
)
17:20 - 11.09.2023
Explained!! How Germany head coach Hansi Flick got sacked by the DFB
After Germany’s shocking loss to Japan, the head coach Hansi Flick was fired in a five-star hotel in Wolfsburg, despite his promise to continue.
)
16:37 - 10.09.2023
Germany sack Flick after shocking Japan loss
Hansi Flick has been relieved of his position as head coach of the German national team after a disastrous run of one win in six matches this year
The Blue Samurai thrashed Canada 4-1 in an international friendly match to register a fifth consecutive win.
Japan humiliates Canada
In a one-sided affair at the Denka Big Swan Stadium in Niigata, the Blue Samurai continued their rich form against a poor Canadian side.
Ao Tanaka was the show's star in Niigata after scoring two goals while it was a day to forget for Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, who scored an own goal.
Tanaka opened the floodgate in the second minute when he fired Japan ahead but Canada missed a chance to equalise 20 minutes later as Jonathan David missed a penalty.
)
Davies’ own goal doubled the lead for the home side before Keito Nakamura all but sealed the win with a third goal heading into the break.
Tanaka completed his brace with another early strike in the second half to make it 4-0 before a late consolation goal from Junior Hoilett made the final score more respectable for the North Americans.
Fans name Japan as next World Cup winner
Following the win against the Canadians, Japan made it five wins in the last five matches.
The Blue Samurai also netted four goals for the fourth consecutive match, which took their tally to 22 in five matches.
Fans reacted to Japan’s latest win on social media, with the Blue Samurai, who also thrashed former World Champions, Germany, by the same scoreline, named as favourites for the next FIFA World Cup in the US.
Here are some of the reactions:
)
)
)
)
)
)
Related content
)
11:23 - 10.09.2023
FOOTBALL ‘I am still the right man for the job’- Under fire Germany coach claims after 4-1 battering by Japan
Flick has been under heavy scrutiny since Germany’s disappointing exit at the group stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
)
21:00 - 05.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Ex-Leeds United midfielder included as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars traveling squad to face Qatar
The traveling party unsurprisingly consists mostly of foreign-based players, with only four local based players featuring in the squad.
)
13:00 - 28.08.2023
HARAMBEE STARS: Timbe returns from the cold as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars squad
Firat has named the provisional Harambee Stars squad set to travel to Qatar, the hosts of the 2022 World Cup to take part in a friendly match against The Maroons this September.
)
15:30 - 01.08.2023
FOOTBALL: Michael Olunga shows language skills as he pens heartfelt message in Japanese
Harambee Stars captain wishes South Korean star luck and success in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos.
)
11:13 - 27.07.2023
RUGBY Kenya U18 girls’ rugby 7s announce squad for Youth Commonwealth Games
The Young Lionesses are the only African team in the girl’s rugby category and will be battling for glory against six nations.
)
15:52 - 26.07.2023
Nigeria in a tricky situation as Ireland crash out of FIFA Women's World Cup
Ireland stumbled to their second defeat in the Women’s World Cup against Canada and failed to make it to the next round despite having one game left to play.
)
10:25 - 26.07.2023
FIFAWWC: Oshoala, Rasheedat and 3 others who can lead Super Falcons to a win vs Australia
Nigeria Super Falcons take on co-hosts of the FIFAWWC Australia in search of Africa's first win at the competition.
)
21:30 - 24.07.2023
Australia vs Nigeria: 5 reasons why Asisat Oshoala should start for the Super Falcons
The Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala had a difficult game against Canada in their opening game in the Women’s World Cup.
)
14:14 - 23.07.2023
Asisat Oshoala: 3 reasons why Super Falcons star had a disappointing outing in Nigeria vs Canada
The Super Falcons began their Women’s World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw with Canada, gaining their first point in Group B.
)
17:33 - 12.07.2023
Kazuyoshi Miura: 7 Interesting facts about the world’s oldest footballer who broke Guinness World Record
The Japanese legend "King Kazu", as he is fondly called is the world's oldest footballer having played for over an incredible 37 seasons.
)
04:16 - 12.07.2023
FOOTBALL Uganda Cranes, Africa’s path to World Cup 2026 explained
CAF has introduced a new format for qualification to the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)