Japan at the FIFA Women’s World Cup: Team profile and history

In 2011, Japan became the first Asian side to triumph at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™. Four years later, they further etched their name in history by reaching the 2015 final, and they now seek to once again stand atop the world as they begin the road to Brazil.

As other teams improve and the competition intensifies, their path to the top has become more fraught, with exits in the last 16 in 2019 and the quarter-finals in 2023. Nonetheless, they claimed their third AFC Women's Asian Cup in March 2026. With a blend of solid defence and merciless attack, Japan have significant momentum ahead of next year’s tournament.

The team brings together seasoned athletes who have tasted glory and a new generation who are making waves on the international stage. With a new coach at the helm, hopes are high, and their sights are firmly set on reclaiming their position as the world’s best at Brazil 2027.

How Japan qualified for the Women’s World Cup 2027

The Nadeshiko left Australia with their third AFC Women’s Asian Cup and a flawless record of six wins from six games. The team excelled both going forward and at the back, which was reflected in an impressive 29 goals scored to one conceded.

They opened their campaign with a 2-0 group stage victory over Chinese Taipei, and followed this up by thrashing India 11-0. They completed a perfect group stage by beating Vietnam 4-0, securing their passage to the knockout stages.

In the quarter-final, they saw off the Philippines with a dominant 7-0 display, ensuring a semi-final berth and simultaneously qualifying for the 2027 tournament in Brazil. This further extended their unbroken streak of World Cup appearances to ten, stretching back to the inaugural edition in 1991.

The semi-final saw them overcome Korea Republic by a 4-1 scoreline and earn a place in the final against hosts Australia. Sydney’s Stadium Australia welcomed a tournament-record 74,397 fans, who witnessed a fascinating clash that was settled by a Maika Hamano goal.

Japan’s Women’s World Cup 2027 fixtures and group

The Final Draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ will take place on Friday, 11 December 2026 at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro.

Japan’s Women’s World Cup 2027 squad

The squad lists for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 will be announced closer to the start of the tournament.

Coach: Michihisa Kano

Kano was appointed as coach of Japan in May 2026. Kano was promoted from within the JFA after Danish coach Nils Nielsen’s contract expired shortly after securing victory at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and managed the team in a caretaker capacity during the tour of the USA in April.

Kano has put together a solid CV working with Japan’s age-group sides. He led the U-20 team to a runner-up spot at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024™, as well as guiding Japan to a gold medal at the Asian Games in 2023. He also has experience working with the senior side as part of Nielsen’s backroom staff since the Dane was appointed in December 2024.

At his introductory press conference, he outlined his plans to build on Japan’s core strengths of team cohesion and hard work by adding greater individual ability and making the players more competitive in duels. His ultimate aim, however, is helping Japan become champions once again.

Japan's Women's World Cup history

• Confederation: AFC

• Best Women's World Cup: Winners（2011）

• Last Women's World Cup: Australia and New Zealand 2023（quarter-finals）

• First Women's World Cup: China 1991 (group stage)

• Women's World Cup appearances: 10 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023, 2027)

• Current run of successive qualifications: 10

• Overall Women’s World Cup record: 18 wins, 4 draws, 16 defeats (38 games); 54 goals scored, 62 goals conceded

Japan’s memorable Women’s World Cup moments

Japan have been ever-presents since the very first tournament back in 1991, but it was at the 2011 tournament when their fortunes would take a dramatic turn. The team were enjoying a good tournament under the guidance of coach Norio Sasaki when they came up against host nation Germany in the quarter-finals. Japan frustrated their more fancied opponents with dogged and organised defensive play, eventually claiming a 1-0 win after extra time.

Next up were Sweden, who Japan dispatched 3-1, booking their first-ever place in the final. There, they would face the USA, a side who had long dominated the women’s game.

Despite falling behind twice, the Nadeshiko showed their resilience by pegging their opponents back both times. Their second equalizer was as spectacular as it was dramatic. With the final whistle looming, Homare Sawa got a beautiful flick to an aya Miyama corner sending the Japanese fans into raptures.

Next came the penalty shootout. Thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori, Japan ran out 3-1 victors, becoming the first ever Asian nation to lift the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy.

Captain Homare Sawa also took home both the Golden Boot for her five goals in the tournament and the Golden Ball, awarded to her as the tournament’s most valuable player. It was just reward for a player who had embodied Japan’s technical ability, positional discipline, and never-say-die attitude.

The victory marked a turning point in Japanese women’s football, and remains one of the defining moments in the history of the sport.

Japan’s top scorers at the Women’s World Cup

The top scorer in Japanese Women’s World Cup history is Homare Sawa with eight goals, five of which came in their triumphant 2011 campaign.

Next on the list is Aya Miyama, another big contributor in 2011, who has six to her name. Her outstanding precision with the ball and playmaking ability were a big factor in the team’s success, particularly her set-piece delivery.

Hinata Miyazawa was top scorer at the 2023 tournament with five goals, which is enough to put her third on the list. Just behind her is Yuki Ogimi, who has netted four times on the biggest stage. With Miyazawa still playing, it will be interesting to see if she can overtake Miyama or even Sawa in Brazil.