Striker Ayase Ueda has declared that Japan can mount a serious challenge for next year’s World Cup, following his decisive role in the national team’s first-ever victory over Brazil.
The Asian side staged a remarkable second-half comeback in Tuesday’s friendly, overturning a 2-0 halftime deficit—courtesy of goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli—to secure a famous 3-2 win. The hosts capitalized on defensive errors from the five-time world champions before Ueda’s late header sealed the historic result.
“We couldn’t create many chances in the first half, but I sensed there was a chance with (Junya) Ito sending in good crosses. (The goal) feels special,” Ueda, who plays for Feyenoord, told reporters.
He added an ambitious note for the future, stating, “Winning the World Cup is my goal, just like it is for our team. I can’t promise it, but we’re all developing with that as the target, and I think we’re in a position where we can aim for it.”
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his team’s performance and emphasized the need for continuous development ahead of the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“We want to fight on the same level, challenge ourselves to see what we can do now and what we lack, and use that to grow. Everyone’s hard work led to the result of beating Brazil,” Moriyasu said.
Reflecting on his halftime team talk, he revealed, “I told my players to put the ball holders under pressure and up their intensity.” He also cautioned, “Winning the World Cup isn’t going to be easy, Brazil will up their level at the finals. We’ll keep going, taking one step at a time.”
Japan, who were the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup back in March, have a strong recent record, having reached the round of 16 in three of the last four tournaments. Their 2022 campaign in Qatar was particularly notable, featuring group-stage victories over Germany and Spain before a penalty-shootout defeat to Croatia.
