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Football analyst from South Sumatra, Dr H Syamsu Ramel M.Kes, believes that Japan’s national football team could become the dark horse in the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament.

“I have observed that the development of Asian football has been remarkable. Based on that, I think Japan could be the dark horse in the 2026 World Cup,” said Syamsu Ramel in an interview on Wednesday (3 June 2026).

The former Secretary-General of Asprov PSSI South Sumatra, Drs H Syamsu Ramel M.Kes, noted that the Samurai Blue have shown an impressive track record, defeating strong teams and delivering solid performances in their recent friendly matches.

“In my opinion, Japan is one of Asia’s dark horses in this World Cup. At the very least, they have the potential to reach the semifinal stage,” he added.

Japan’s national team approaches the 2026 World Cup with great confidence, thanks to their consistent and impressive performances in recent years.

Their success in defeating global football giants like Germany and Spain during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has given them a significant psychological boost.

In this edition of the tournament, Japan is placed in Group F, which is expected to deliver fierce competition. They will face tough opponents such as the Netherlands, along with two dangerous dark horses, Tunisia and Sweden.

Japan’s consistency has also been tested through numerous international friendlies against top-tier teams from different continents.

Over the past year, the Samurai Blue managed to hold Mexico to a draw and displayed their strength by defeating Brazil on home soil.

Moreover, Japan also achieved an impressive away victory against England. This series of positive results demonstrates that the quality of Japanese football has now reached a level comparable to the world’s elite teams.