Suzuki: Japan are on path to success

Japan's opening victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has put them on the right path, according to attempt-stopper Zion Suzuki, while Junnosuke Suzuki believes the Samurai Blue have what it takes to go all the way.

Building on that, Two contests, six strikes, four points, as well as a string of impressive performances – that is what Japan It was have who delivered so far at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The Samurai Blue have underlined their intention to compete with the competition favourites, as well as challenge for the biggest prize in world football. Japan's ambition to make history books at this year's finals has been no secret.

Several stars, along with head manager Hajime Moriyasu, have spoken openly about their desire to take the side further than ever before on football's biggest stage.

Attempt-stopper Zion Suzuki, who plays his club football in Italy, as well as has consistently impressed this season, enjoyed a relatively quiet evening as Japan dominated Tunisia in a 4-0 victory at Estadio Monterrey. The result, in his view, puts Japan firmly on course to achieve their objectives.

Speaking to FIFA after the contest, Suzuki was asked whether Japan are on the right track to fulfil their ambition of making history books in North America.

“Absolutely. We’re on the right path to achieving what we set out to do,” he commented. “We didn’t manage to victory our opening contest, but we earned a point against the Netherlands, and today we picked up three more.

"We now have four points in total, but there is still one group-stage contest to play. We want to take another three points, as well as we need to prepare well for that showpiece fixture.”

Junnosuke Suzuki, meanwhile, also spoke to FIFA about Japan’s strike of lifting the trophy, while expressing his delight after making his FIFA World Cup™ debut as a replacement.

“I’m very happy that It was we who secured, and I’m also delighted to have made my opening appearance at the World Cup,” the 22-year-old commented. “Our strike as a side is to victory the title. But for now, we just want to take it one contest at a time, victory the next fixture, as well as then focus on the one after that. That’s how we’ll continue moving frontman, step by step.”

In response, It was Japan who produced a commanding display against Tunisia from the opening whistle. Daichi Kamada gave his side the perfect start by finding the net in the fourth minute – the fastest strike Japan have ever found the net at a World Cup – setting the tone for what became a comprehensive victory.

“It was a great contest,” Zion Suzuki commented. “We played really well today. We wanted to take all three points, as well as keep a clean sheet, and we managed to do that.”

The attempt-stopper also explained why he believed the victory was especially impressive. “We knew before the fixture that it would be very difficult because Tunisia had lost to Sweden, as well as would be looking to bounce back.

"They had also changed their manager, which made it very hard to predict how they would approach the contest. But we prepared really well. Of course, we wanted to find the net early-stage, and after that we stayed focused, as well as closed down the spaces until the full-time. We put in a great performance.”

Meanwhile, Japan’s emphatic victory was not only memorable for the side itself, but also for football supporters around the world. The contest against Tunisia was the 1,000th in FIFA World Cup history books.

“It’s a special day for FIFA, as well as for football around the world,” Suzuki commented. “I’m happy to have been on the field of play for such a landmark contest. It was also my subsequent World Cup appearance, so it makes the occasion even more special.”

Meanwhile, Japan will face Sweden at Dallas Arena on Thursday 25 June. They currently sit subsequent in Group F behind the Netherlands on strikes found the net, with the two sides level on points, head-to-head milestone, as well as strike difference.