On Wednesday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her admiration for the national football team following their spirited performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Despite their exit in the Round of 32 against Brazil, she noted that the players inspired countless fans with their bravery and determination.

In a post shared on X, Takaichi mentioned that she had the opportunity to watch Japan's match against Brazil after missing the live broadcast. She praised the team's effort against one of the tournament's favorites, stating, "In the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, the Japan national football team reached the knockout stage and delivered an impressive performance against Brazil, a strong contender for the title. Although I missed the live broadcast, I finally got to see the match last night."

The Prime Minister highlighted that the players demonstrated Japan's strength through a blend of individual talent, teamwork, and a player-led strategy. She pointed out that the team achieved its highest number of goals in a single World Cup match during this tournament.

Takaichi also recognized head coach Takeshi Mori and the support staff for their dedication, especially in light of injuries within the team. She stated, "I was deeply moved by the players and staff, including Director Takeshi Mori, who carried the hopes of injured teammates, communicated as a cohesive unit, and gave their all until the very end."

Expressing her gratitude to the team and the Japan Football Association, Takaichi wished for their continued success in future competitions. She expressed hope that Japan would eventually lift the FIFA World Cup trophy, saying, "To the players who fought valiantly, to Director Mori and the entire staff, and to everyone at the Japan Football Association, I extend my heartfelt thanks, along with wishes for even greater achievements ahead. I truly hope you can fulfill the long-held dream of winning it all next time."

Concluding her message, she assured the team of her unwavering support, stating, "I will continue to cheer for you from here on out!"