Japan Midfielder Kamada: More Work Needed For World Cup Glory

Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada acknowledged that the national team needs significant development to achieve its World Cup championship ambitions after being eliminated in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Japan's campaign ended following a 1-2 loss to five-time world champion Brazil on June 29. Despite the defeat, Kamada expressed confidence that Japan can eventually win the World Cup, saying: "I still believe that before we become a country that can truly win the championship, we have many areas that need improvement—both player quality and other aspects. To be honest, we need to develop much more." He added: "We still have a long road ahead to elevate Japanese football and make it like a national pastime. That's what I truly feel if we want to win the World Cup." Looking forward, Kamada pledged: "From now on, I want to work hard every day to help Japan eventually win the World Cup championship." He expressed regret that the team couldn't meet expectations, noting the overwhelming support they received. However, he called for continued commitment from all to make Japan a genuine championship contender: "For Japan to truly be able to compete for the championship in the future, we need to fully commit to Japanese football and the Japanese football community. I hope everyone will continue to provide full support."