Overview
- Japan was drawn with the Netherlands, Tunisia and the winner of European Playoff B in Group F at the official draw held December 5 in Washington, D.C.
- Japan entered the draw from Pot 2 based on FIFA rankings for the expanded 48‑team tournament co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- European Playoff B features Ukraine, Sweden, Poland and Albania, with the winner to be decided in March 2026 and placed into Japan’s group.
- FIFA awarded its newly created Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump, citing diplomatic efforts toward a Gaza agreement.
- The award drew criticism over perceived politicization, with U.S. media reporting Infantino largely decided the choice on his own, while separate coverage noted snowboard Big Air qualifiers in Beijing advanced several Japanese athletes to the finals.