Japan women's national football team

Last updated

Japan
Nickname(s) なでしこジャパン ( Nadeshiko Japan)
Association JFA
Confederation AFC
Sub-confederation EAFF
Head coach Nils Nielsen
Captain Yui Hasegawa
Most caps Homare Sawa (205)
Top scorerHomare Sawa (83)
FIFA code JPN
Kit left arm jap24h.png
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Kit body jap24h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm jap24h.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts jap24h.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
First colours
Kit left arm jap24a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body jap24a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm jap24a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts jap24a.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 7 Decrease2.svg 2 (12 June 2025) [1]
Highest3 (December 2011 – September 2014)
Lowest14 (July 2003 – March 2004)
First international
Flag of Chinese Taipei (Olympics; 1986-2010).svg  Chinese Taipei 1–0 Japan  Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg
(British Hong Kong; 7 June 1981)
Biggest win
Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg  Japan 21–0 Guam  Flag of Guam.svg
(Guangzhou, China; 5 December 1997)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 9–0 Japan  Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg
(Tokyo, Japan; 9 September 1981) [2]
Flag of the United States.svg  United States 9–0 Japan  Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg
(Charlotte, United States; 29 April 1999) [2]
World Cup
Appearances9 (first in 1991 )
Best resultChampions (2011)
Olympic Games
Appearances6 (first in 1996 )
Best resultRunners-up (2012)
Asian Cup
Appearances18 (first in 1977 )
Best resultChampions (2014, 2018)
Website jfa.jp/eng/nadeshikojapan/

The Japan women's national football team (Japanese: サッカー日本女子代表, Hepburn: Sakkā Nippon Joshi Daihyō), commonly known as Nadeshiko Japan (なでしこジャパン), [3] represents Japan in women's association football and is run by the Japan Football Association (JFA). One of the two countries to win every FIFA competition and the most successful women's national team in the Asian Football Confederation, its highest ranking in the FIFA Women's World Rankings is 3rd, achieved in December 2011. [4]

Contents

Nadeshiko Japan defeated the United States in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, thus claiming their first FIFA Women's World Cup title, becoming the first Asian team to do so and only the fourth women's world champions. [5] It won silver medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, making it the only Asian team to have three combined medals from international championships. [6] It also won gold medals at the 2014 and 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cups, the 2010 and 2018 Asian Games, and the 2008, 2010, and 2019 EAFF Football Championships.

History

1970s and 1980s

During the 1970s, the number of women football players and teams increased in Japan, and teams made up regional leagues in various parts of Japan. In 1977, a team representing Japan participated in its first international tournament, the 1977 AFC Women's Championship. But this team was not actually a national team, since the Japan Football Association dispatched a club team, FC Jinnan as its representative. [7] [8] In 1980, "All-Japan Women's Football Championship" was held. In 1981, the Japan Football Association formed the first national team for the 1981 AFC Women's Championship [9] and Seiki Ichihara managed as the first Japan national team manager. [2] The first match against Chinese Taipei on 7 June at this tournament was the first match for a Japan national team. [2] In 1984, a national team was gathered for the first time in three years for a China expedition, with Takao Orii managing the squad. [2]

In January 1986, Ryohei Suzuki became the first full-time manager for the national team. In December, Japan won 2nd place at the 1986 AFC Women's Championship. In 1989, the "Japan Women's Football League" (abbreviated to "L. League") was established, and the women's national team qualified for the "1991 FIFA Women's World Cup" in China.

Verge of decline (1990s)

Japan women's national football team attended various championship tournaments such as the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup which had made the national team and the L.League very popular. However, in 1999, Japan failed to qualify for the 2000 Summer Olympics, and along with economic stagnation (Lost Decade) this helped cause the withdrawal of a series of teams from the L. League. Japanese women's football was on the verge of decline.

Regeneration (2002-2008)

In August 2002, the Japan Football Association appointed Eiji Ueda, who had been coach for the Macau national football team, as the new head coach. Officials expected a revitalization of women's football and planned a team reorganization, aiming for the 2004 Summer Olympics. The team at first went through a losing streak, but Ueda gradually improved the team, and it eventually gained wide support in Japan. In particular, a game against Korea DPR, which decided who would participate in the 2004 Olympics, not only made fans rush to the National Stadium but also was widely watched on TV.

Following the increase in public interest in women's football in Japan, the JFA organized a public contest to select a nickname for the team. "Nadeshiko Japan" was chosen from among about 2,700 entries and was announced on 7 July 2004. "Nadeshiko", a kind of dianthus, comes from the phrase "Yamato Nadeshiko" (大和撫子, "ideal Japanese woman").

2003 and 2007 World Cup

Japan faced Germany, Canada and Argentina for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup. Beginning with a 6–0 thrashing of newcomer Argentina, Japan subsequently fell 0–3 to the eventual champions Germany, followed by a loss of 1–3 to Canada, the team that ultimately finished 4th.

In the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup held in China, they again faced Germany and Argentina, with England making up the group. They started with a 2–2 draw against England, before beating Argentina 1–0. A 0–2 defeat to reigning champion Germany again eliminated Japan from the group stage.

2008 Summer Olympics

After qualifying from the preliminary round, Nadeshiko faced the United States, Norway and New Zealand in Group C of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing.

In the first match, they drew 2-2 with the Football Ferns of New Zealand and then lost 1-0 to the Americans in the second match. However, as the two best third-placed teams progressed, Japan secured qualification for the quarter-finals with a 5-1 win over Norway in the final match of the group phase.

In the quarter-finals, the Japanese eliminated the host China with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Homare Sawa and Yuki Nagasato. It was the first time that Japan had advanced beyond the quarter-finals in any international women's football competition.

At the semifinals, Japan met the United States again, but just like in the group stage, the Americans came out on top, winning 4-2. In the bronze medal match, Nadeshiko ended up being defeated by Germany 2-0.

2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup

Like the 2008 Women's Olympic Football Tournament, the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup was also held in China. Japan was drawn in Group A with North Korea, Thailand and Myanmar.

After two thrashings against Myanmar (7-0) and Thailand (4-0), Nadeshiko finished the group stage as leaders, beating North Korea 2-1. In the semi-finals, however, they were defeated by Australia thanks to a goal by Kate Gill before the end of the first half. The Matildas would go on to win the tournament.

In the third-place play-off, Japan defeated hosts China 2-0 and secured the last Asian spot in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup (Australia and North Korea also qualified as finalists in that tournament).

Golden Period and World Champions (2011–2015)

2011 World Cup

The Japan team thanking fans for their support for the humanitarian response to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami after their World Cup win Selecao japonesa agradece o apoio da torcida (DSC01105).jpg
The Japan team thanking fans for their support for the humanitarian response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami after their World Cup win

After finishing third in the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup, Japan qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 finals in Germany. There were certain doubts whether Nadeshiko would play in that tournament due to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami which happened a couple of months before, but the participation was confirmed at the last minute.

After finishing second in their group behind England, Japan shocked the world beating two-time defending champion and host nation Germany 1–0 in the quarterfinals, before easily defeating Sweden 3–1 to reach the final.

After the final game finished 2–2 after extra time, Japan beat the United States 3–1 in a penalty shootout, becoming the first Asian team to win the FIFA Women's World Cup, and the first Asian team to win a senior FIFA title. [12] [13] It came right after men's team won the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, marked their most successful year in Japanese football.

2012 Summer Olympics

Japan qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics by finishing first in the Asian qualifier in September 2011, only 6 weeks after winning the Women's World Cup. At the Olympics, after finishing second in their group behind Sweden, Nadeshiko Japan defeated Brazil 2–0 in the quarterfinals, followed by a 2–1 victory over France, whom Nadeshiko had lost to in a friendly match right before the Olympics, to reach the final.

In a rematch of the World Cup final, Japan was defeated in the Olympic final by a score of 1–2 against the United States, allowing two goals to Carli Lloyd in the 8th and 54th minutes. Yūki Ōgimi scored the lone goal for Japan. [14]

The Japan Football Association (JFA) was accused of sexism, after flying the men's Olympic team on business class and the women's team on economy class. [15]

Nadeshiko, 2013 Nadeshiko.jpg
Nadeshiko, 2013

2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup

Despite having won a FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011, Japan entered the 2014 Asian Cup having never previously won the tournament. They were drawn with defending champions Australia, host Vietnam and newcomer Jordan.[ citation needed ] Their first match in the group stage of the tournament resulted in a 2–2 draw against the Matildas. [16] Also in the group stage, Japan upset host Vietnam by a 4–0 win before defeating Jordan with a 7–0 win to finish first with a higher goal difference.[ citation needed ]

In the semi-final, Japan beat eight-time champions China 2–1 after 120'. In the final, they met Australia once again and successfully earned a 1–0 win with Azusa Iwashimizu's goal. This marked the first time for Japan to become "Queen of Asia". They became the first Asian team to subsequently win both the FIFA Women's World Cup and AFC Women's Asian Cup.[ citation needed ] Because of their top placement in the tournament, Japan, Australia, China, South Korea and newcomer Thailand secured their spot at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup to be played in Canada the following year. [17]

2015 World Cup

The national teams of Japan and the United States at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Here they come (19619476868).jpg
The national teams of Japan and the United States at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

Japan, then fourth in the world, was drawn into Group C for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, with tournament debutants Ecuador, Switzerland, and Cameroon. Japan won all three games, securing passage into the Round of 16, where they drew yet another tournament debutant in the Netherlands. Saori Ariyoshi and Mizuho Sakaguchi scored goals for Japan, and they ultimately survived a couple of nervy moments to get into the quarterfinals.

In a all-Asian quarterfinal against Australia, Japan once again used their technical possession game to frustrate the Matildas and negate their speed. Mana Iwabuchi notched the only goal of the game three minutes from time to send Japan to the semifinals.

Against England in the semifinals, Nadeshiko Japan was able to survive against the tenacious Lionesses, as the two teams traded goals from the penalty spot (Aya Miyama for Japan, Fara Williams for England). Deadlocked from the 40th minute on, Japan got a truly fortunate break as English centre back Laura Bassett, in trying to clear out a Japan cross, ended up scoring an own-goal at the death. This set up a rematch with the United States from the 2011 Women's World Cup.

Unfortunately for Japan, the Americans came out flying and scored four goals in the first 16 minutes of the match, with American midfielder Carli Lloyd scoring a hat trick in the process. Yuki Ogimi brought Japan one back in the 27th minute, and an own goal from Julie Johnston halved the American lead, but Tobin Heath put the final touch on the United States' third Women's World Cup victory.

Asian domination and Brief decline (2016–2022)

2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup

Defending champions Japan won in 2014 and played in the continental competition held in Jordan in a group with then-runners-up Australia, South Korea and Vietnam. In Group C, Nadeshiko beat the Vietnamese 4-0 and drew the following two games against the South Koreans and the Australians. As Japan, Australia and South Korea each finished with 5 points, the tiebreaker was goal difference and the Japanese finished second behind Australia (the goal difference was also decisive for Japan to secure a direct spot in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup over South Korea).

In the semi-finals, Japan defeated again China by 3–1 with a goal from Mana Iwabuchi and two goals from Kumi Yokoyama. The final match in Amman was a repeat of the 2014 final between Japan and Australia, in which Nadeshiko defeated the Matildas again thanks to a goal scored by Yokoyama in the 84th minute. It was Japan's second continental title and their second title in a row.

2019 World Cup

While Japan remains on a title and a runners-up spot at the last two editions of the World Cup as well as a runner-up spot at the 2012 Olympics, it failed to qualify for the 2016 Olympics while the World Cup 2019 sees the country of the Rising Sun being knocked out pretty quickly. Nadeshiko Japan, who no longer benefit from the surprise effect unlike previous tournaments, passed the first round without glory, with a narrow victory over Scotland (2–1) a goalless draw against Argentina (0–0) as well as a defeat against England (0–2) in the last group match for first place in group D. The Japanese find the Netherlands at the same stage of the competition as 4 years earlier, but the confrontation this time turns to the advantage of the Oranje who take their revenge and eliminated Japan by the same score by which they had lost in 2015 (1–2).

Olympic Games in 2021 at home

Japan is encountering the same difficulties during the 2020 Olympic Games organized at home and postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In front of their public, Japan passed the first round with difficulty, with a victory snatched in extremis on the edge of the last quarter of an hour of the game on the last day against Chile (1–0) to finish among the 2 best 3rd in the group, having had a few scares with a header from the Chilean Francisca Lara having rebounded on the goal line without crossing it just after hitting the bar, [18] and this shortly before the saving Japanese goal. Japan, which had in the meantime struggled against the other top names in the group (1–1 draw against Canada after being behind and missing a penalty, 0–1 defeat against Great Britain), confirms its difficulties against to the big teams like this first round and the 2019 World Cup by falling in the next round against Sweden (1–3).

2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup

Still suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan was seeking its third consecutive continental title in India. In the first phase, Nadeshiko beat Myanmar (5-0) and Vietnam (3-0) and drew 1-1 with South Korea, finishing first in the group.

In the quarterfinals, they secured a direct spot in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup by beating Thailand 7-0. However, their dream of a third consecutive championship ended when they were defeated by China in the semifinals on penalties by 4-3 after a 2-2 draw that lasted until 120 minutes of extra time.

The New Era (2023–2024)

2023 World Cup

Japan playing against Spain at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand Japan vs Spain - 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Group C - 3.jpg
Japan playing against Spain at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand

Japan finished first in Group C with Spain, Zambia and Costa Rica, winning all three group games, scoring 11 goals and conceded none. Japan's technical mastery made a strong impression in particular in her 4–0 victory against Spain, the eventual champion. That was a landmark match that broke long-held FIFA records. Japan women's 23% of possession is the lowest for a winning side at the FIFA Women's World Cup since 2011. This is often compared to Japan 2-1 Spain in 2022 FIFA World Cup Group E, which Japan's 18% of possession is the lowest for a winning side at the FIFA World Cup since 1966. [19] [20] [21] Match statistics reflected Japan women was more incisive and efficient, with only 23% possession, their expected goal (xG) was 0.9 vs 0.7, shots attempted were 7 vs 10, shots on target were 5 vs 2, and goals scored were 4 vs 0. [22]

In the knockout stage, Japan was able to beat Norway 3–1 [23] and advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015. Facing Sweden, another Scandinavian in the quarter-finals, Japan was hailed as favorite due to their four consecutive wins at this World Cup, but, unfortunately for the Nadeshiko, they were unable to create as many chances as they did against Norway. Japan found themselves trailing by 2 goals to nothing at halftime, and Honoka Hayashi's goal in the 87th minute ended as the only effort Japan could effectively turn into a goal. Losing by 2–1, they were eliminated from the World Cup, and the second time in succession that Japan fell to Sweden in a major competition, as they were also eliminated at the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics just two years prior, on 2021.

Paris 2024 Olympic Women's Football Tournament

After eliminating North Korea in the third round of the 2024 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the Nadeshiko Japan returned to qualify for an Olympic Games for the first time since London 2012 (they failed to qualify for the Rio 2016 Games). In the first match against Spain, they opened the score with a beautiful free-kick shoot from Aoba Fujino, but the Spanish came back by winning 2-1 with the goals of Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey. Against Brazil in the second match, the Nadeshiko was losing the match by 1-0 until the final stoppage time when a penalty kick of Saki Kumagai and a 40-meter goal shot from Momoko Tanikawa turned the match around and prevented Japan from being eliminated in the group stage until then.

In the last match of the group phase against Nigeria, the Japanese qualified to the quarter-finals winning the Nigerians by 3-1 with goals from Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka and a free-kick from Hikaru Kitagawa. Although they made a great match against United States in the quarter-finals, Japan was eliminated losing to the Americans by 1-0 due to a goal of Trinity Rodman. At the end, Nadeshiko Japan end the Paris campaign in the fifth place, the best of the non-semifinalists. [24]

Team image

Nicknames

The Japan women's national football team has been known or nicknamed as the " Nadeshiko Japan". The word Nadeshiko has several meanings.

The term “Yamato nadeshiko” (which came the expression) was an old expression often used to describe the traditional Japanese woman as a woman who was beautiful and delicate on the outside but strong and determined on the inside, although she was often submissive to men. In fact, the word Yamato is the name given to the race and ethnicity of people from which Japan was formed (as it is also the name of the Japanese imperial dynasty that rules the country to this day). In modern times, the term “Yamato Nadeshiko” has been updated to mean “a modest woman” who is both strong, mature and determined, as well as beautiful, delicate and graceful.

The nickname was coined by the Japan Football Association in 2004 after a fan vote during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, which was intended to convey that the Japanese female player was strong and brave like an athlete, feminine like a woman and Japanese with both a patriotic and nationalistic character. At first, it was not widely accepted by the public and the media until the 2011 Women’s World Cup. After the 2011 World Cup title, the expression Nadeshiko completely changed to “the female football player from Japan”. [25]

Home stadium

Japan play its home matches among various stadiums, in rotation, around the country.

Rivalries

China

Both Japan and China was the first nations to became Asian continental powerhouses in women's football at 1970s. While the Steel Roses had a dominance by the decades of 1980, 1990 and 2000, Nadeshiko Japan reversed the rivalry and the dominance in the beginning of the 2010s. It's the biggest women's football rivalry in the continent.

Australia

Although the first match between both national teams started in 1984, since the Australians came to AFC in 2006 both Nadeshiko Japan and the Matildas created the most significant women's football rivalry in Asia with a lot of AFC Women's Asian Cup title matches and a FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal.

North Korea

Another big rival of Nadeshiko Japan, the Azaleas from North Korea created this rivalry at the same time than the rivalry of Japan with China. Although the North Koreans don't play a lot of recently matches against the Japanese in professional terms, in the U-20 and U-17 competitions is the biggest rivalry of the continent.

South Korea

Unlike men's football, the rivalry between Japan and South Korea in women's football is still recent (created in the 1990s). But it's not a rivalry below due to the history of the two countries.

United States

Outside Asia, the biggest rival of Nadeshiko Japan is United States. Both teams created the rivalry in the 1980s and both teams have always faced each other in decisive instances, including two consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup finals recently in 2011 and 2015.

Overall competitive record

Overall record

CompetitionStageResultOpponentPositionScorers
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1981 Asian Championship Round 10–1 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei 3 / 4
0–2 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
1–0 Flag of Indonesia.svg Indonesia Handa
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1986 Asian Championship Round 10–2 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 2 / 3
10–0 Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia Takakura (2), Nagamine (4), Kioka (2), Tezuka, Matsuda
Semifinals4–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand Kioka, Nagamine, Noda, Matsuda
Final0–2 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1989 Asian Championship Round 13–0 Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg Hong Kong 1 / 4
11–0 Flag of Indonesia.svg Indonesia
14–0 Flag of Nepal.svg Nepal
Semifinals0–1 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
Third place9–0 Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg Hong Kong
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1990 Asian Games Main Round0–5 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
5–0 Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg Hong Kong
8–1 Flag of South Korea (1984-1997).svg South Korea
1–1 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
3–1 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei 2 / 6
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1991 Asian Championship Round 11–0 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea 1 / 5
4–1 Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg Hong Kong
12–0 Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia
12–0 Flag of Singapore.svg Singapore
Semifinals0–0 (PSO: 5–4) Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
Final0–5 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1991 World Cup Round 10–1 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Brazil 4 / 4
0–8 Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden
0–3 Flag of the United States.svg United States
Flag of Malaysia.svg 1993 Asian Championship Round 16–1 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei 1 / 4
15–0 Flag of the Philippines (navy blue).svg Philippines
4–0 Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg Hong Kong
Semifinals1–3 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Final3–0 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1994 Asian Games Round 11–1 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 2 / 4
3–0 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
5–0 Flag of South Korea (1984-1997).svg South Korea
Final0–2 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Flag of Sweden.svg 1995 World Cup Round 10–1 Flag of Germany.svg Germany 3 / 4
2–1 Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil
0–2 Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden
Quarterfinals0–4 Flag of the United States.svg United States
Flag of Malaysia.svg 1995 Asian Championship Round 11–0 Flag of South Korea (1984-1997).svg South Korea 1 / 4
6–0 Flag of India.svg India
17–0 Flag of Uzbekistan.svg Uzbekistan
Semifinals3–0 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
Final0–2 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Flag of the United States.svg 1996 Summer Olympics Round 12–3 Flag of Germany.svg Germany 4 / 4
0–2 Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil
0–4 Flag of Norway.svg Norway
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1997 Asian Championship Round 121–0 Flag of Guam.svg Guam 1 / 4
1–0 Flag of India.svg India
9–0 Flag of Hong Kong.svg Hong Kong
Semifinals0–1 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
Third place2–0 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1998 Asian Games Round 16–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand 2 / 4
2–3 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
8–0 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Semifinals0–3 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Third place2–1 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
Flag of the United States.svg 1999 World Cup Round 11–1 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 4 / 4
0–5 Flag of Russia.svg Russia
0–4 Flag of Norway.svg Norway
Flag of the Philippines.svg 1999 Asian Championship Round 19–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand 1 / 5
5–1 Flag of Uzbekistan.svg Uzbekistan
14–0 Flag of Nepal.svg Nepal
6–0 Flag of the Philippines.svg Philippines
Semifinals0–2 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
Third place2–3 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg 2001 Asian Championship Round 114–0 Flag of Singapore.svg Singapore 2 / 5
11–0 Flag of Guam.svg Guam
0–1 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
3–1 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Semifinals2–1 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
Final0–2 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg 2002 Asian Games Main round0–1 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
3–0 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
1–0 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
2–2 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
2–0 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei 3 / 6
Flag of Thailand.svg 2003 Asian Championship Round 115–0 Flag of the Philippines.svg Philippines 1 / 5
7–0 Flag of Guam.svg Guam
7–0 Flag of Myanmar (1974-2010).svg Myanmar
5–0 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
Semifinals0–3 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
Third place0–1 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
Flag of the United States.svg 2003 World Cup Round 16–0 Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 3 / 4
0–3 Flag of Germany.svg Germany
1–3 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada
Flag of Greece.svg 2004 Summer Olympics Round 11–0 Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden 3 / 3
0–1 Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria
Quarterfinals1–2 Flag of the United States.svg United States Awarded the Fair Play Award
Flag of South Korea.svg 2005 East Asian Championship Main Round0–1 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
0–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
0–0 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 3 / 4Awarded the Fair Play Award
Flag of Qatar.svg 2006 Asian Games Round 113–0 Flag of Jordan.svg Jordan 1 / 4
4–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
1–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Semifinals3–1 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
Final0–0 (PSO: 2–4) Flag of North Korea.svg South Korea
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 2006 Asian Championship Round 15–0 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 1 / 4
11–1 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
1–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Semifinals0–2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
Third place2–3 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2007 World Cup Round 12–2 Flag of England.svg England 3 / 4
1–0 Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina
0–2 Flag of Germany.svg Germany
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2008 East Asian Championship Main Round3–2 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
2–0 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
3–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 1 / 4
Flag of Vietnam.svg 2008 Asian Cup Round 11–3 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 1 / 4
11–0 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
3–1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
Semifinals1–3 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Third place3–0 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
2008 Summer Olympics qualification Final round2–0 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 1 / 4
4–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
6–1 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2008 Summer Olympics Round 12–2 Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand 3 / 4
0–1 Flag of the United States.svg United States
5–1 Flag of Norway.svg Norway
Quarterfinals2–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Semifinals2–4 Flag of the United States.svg United States
Third place0–2 Flag of Germany.svg Germany
Flag of Japan.svg 2010 East Asian Championship Round 12–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
3–0 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
2–1 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 1 / 4
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2010 Asian Cup Round 18–0 Flag of Myanmar (1974-2010).svg Myanmar 1 / 4
4–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
2–1 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
Semifinals0–1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
Third place2–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2010 Asian Games Round 14–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand 1 / 3
0–0 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
Semifinals1–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Final1–0 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
Flag of Germany.svg 2011 World Cup Round 12–1 Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand 2 / 4
4–0 Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico
0–2 Flag of England.svg England
Quarterfinals1–0 Flag of Germany.svg Germany
Semifinals3–1 Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden
Final2–2 (PSO: 3–1) Flag of the United States.svg United States Awarded the Fair Play Award
2012 Summer Olympics qualification Final round3–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
2–1 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
1–0 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
1–1 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
1–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 2012 Summer Olympics Round 12–1 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 2 / 4
0–0 Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden
0–0 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa
Quarterfinals2–0 Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil
Semifinals2–1 Flag of France.svg France
Finals1–2 Flag of the United States.svg United States
Flag of South Korea.svg 2013 EAFF Women's East Asian Cup Final round2–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
0–0 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
1–2 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
Flag of Vietnam.svg 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup Round 12–2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia 1 / 4
4–0 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
7–0 Flag of Jordan.svg Jordan
Semifinals2–1 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China PR
Final1–0 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia Awarded the Fair Play Award
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg 2015 World Cup Round 11–0 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland 1 / 4
2–1 Flag of Cameroon.svg Cameroon
1–0 Flag of Ecuador.svg Ecuador
Round of 162–1 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands
Quarterfinals1–0 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
Semifinals2–1 Flag of England.svg England
Final2–5 Flag of the United States.svg United States
Flag of Jordan.svg 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup Round 14–0 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 2 / 4
0–0 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
1–1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
Semi-finals3–1 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Final1–0 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia Awarded the Fair Play Award
Flag of Indonesia.svg 2018 Asian Games Round 12–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand 1 / 3
7–0 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
Quarter-finals2–1 Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea
Semi-finals2–1 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
Final1–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Flag of France.svg 2019 World Cup Round 10–0 Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 2 / 4
2–1 Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland
0–2 Flag of England.svg England
Round of 161–2 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands
Flag of Japan.svg 2020 Summer Olympics Round 1 1–1 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 3 / 4
0–1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Great Britain
1–0 Flag of Chile.svg Chile
Quarterfinals 1–3 Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden
Flag of India.svg 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup Round 1 5–0 Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar 1 / 4
3–0 Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam
1–1 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
Quarterfinals 7–0 Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand
Semifinals 2–2 (PSO: 3–4) Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Flag of Japan.svg 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship (women) Final round2–1 Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
4–1 Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg Chinese Taipei
0–0 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 1 / 4


source: [26]

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

Legend

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixtures

2024

13 July MS&AD Cup Japan  Flag of Japan.svg4–0Flag of Ghana.svg  Ghana Kanazawa, Japan
15:20  UTC+9
Report (JFA) Stadium: Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium
Attendance: 9,648
Referee: Oh Hyeon-jeong (Korea)
19 July Unofficial friendly Japan  Flag of Japan.svg1–1Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia Le Touquet, France
25 July Olympic Games GS Spain  Flag of Spain.svg2–1Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Nantes, France
17:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Stade de la Beaujoire
Attendance: 10,377
28 July Olympic Games GS Brazil  Flag of Brazil.svg1–2Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Paris, France
17:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Parc de Princes
Attendance: 40,918
31 July Olympic Games GS Japan  Flag of Japan.svg3–1Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria Nantes, France
17:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: Stade de la Beaujoire
Attendance: 6,480
Referee: Emikar Calderas (Venezuela
3 August Olympic Games QF United States  Flag of the United States.svg1–0 (a.e.t.)Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Paris, France
15:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: Parc de Princes
Attendance: 43,004
Referee: Tess Olofsson (Sweden)
26 October Mizuho Blue Dream Match [27] Japan  Flag of Japan.svg4–0Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea Tokyo, Japan
14:20  UTC+9
Report (JFA)
Report (KFA)
Stadium: Japan National Stadium
Attendance: 12,420

2025

20 February SheBelieves Cup Japan  Flag of Japan.svg4–0Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Houston, United States
16:00  UTC−6
Report Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium
Attendance: 5,243
23 February SheBelieves Cup Colombia  Flag of Colombia.svg1–4Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Glendale, United States
13:00  UTC−7
Report (USS)
Report (JFA)
Stadium: State Farm Stadium
Attendance: 12,624
Referee: Alex Billeter (USA)
26 February SheBelieves Cup United States  Flag of the United States.svg1–2Flag of Japan.svg  Japan San Diego, United States
19:30  UTC−8
Report
Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium
Attendance: 17,188
6 April Friendly Japan  Flag of Japan.svg1–1Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia Osaka, Japan
14:00  UTC+9 Takahashi Soccerball shade.svg90+4' (pen.) Report Torres Soccerball shade.svg35'Stadium: Yodoko Sakura Stadium
Attendance: 8,381
Referee: Oh Hyeon-jeong (South Korea)
8 April Unofficial Friendly Japan  Flag of Japan.svg6–1Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia Sakai, Japan
Report
Attendance: 500
30 May Friendly Brazil  Flag of Brazil.svg3–1Flag of Japan.svg  Japan São Paulo, Brazil
21:30  UTC−3
Report
Stadium: Arena Corinthians
2 June Friendly Brazil  Flag of Brazil.svg2–1Flag of Japan.svg  Japan São Paulo, Brazil
20:00  UTC−3
Report
Stadium: Estádio Cícero de Souza Marques
27 June Friendly Spain  Flag of Spain.svg3–1Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Leganés, Spain
21:00  UTC+2 Pina Soccerball shade.svg44'
López Soccerball shade.svg66'
Del Castillo Soccerball shade.svg88'
Tanaka Soccerball shade.svg30'Stadium: Butarque
Attendance: 9,458
Referee: Milica Milovanović (Serbia)
16 July EAFF E-1 Football Championship Japan  Flag of Japan.svgvFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China Suwon, South Korea
16:00  UTC+9 Stadium: Suwon World Cup Stadium
29 November MS&AD Cup Japan  Flag of Japan.svgv TBC Nagasaki, Japan
--:--  UTC+9 Source Stadium: Peace Stadium

All-time results

As of 2 June 2025, after the match against Brazil.
Results by year [28] FIFA ranking by year [29]
YearPldWDLWin %FRBRWRBCBF
Total181035055.567314Increase2.svg 5Decrease2.svg 4
20256312050.00
202412723058.33

Head-to-head record

As of 2 June 2025, after the match against Brazil.

Staff

Coaching staff

As of 12 December 2024
RoleNameStart dateRef.
Head coach Flag of Denmark.svg Nils Nielsen 12 December 2024 [32]
Assistant coach Flag of Japan.svg Michihisa Kano  [ ja ]5 January 2025 [33]
Assistant coach Flag of Australia (converted).svg Leah Blayney 5 January 2025 [34]
Goalkeeper coach Flag of Japan.svg Toshihiro Nishiiri5 January 2025 [33]
Physical trainer Flag of Japan.svg Ryugo Okamoto 5 January 2025 [33]
Technical director Flag of Japan.svg Mitsumasa Kosugi5 January 2025 [33]

Head coach history

NameYearsMatchesWonDrawnLostWin %
Flag of Japan.svg Seiki Ichihara (市原 聖曠)198100000%
Flag of Japan.svg Takao Orii (折井 孝男)198400000%
Flag of Japan.svg Ryohei Suzuki (鈴木 良平)1986–198900000%
Flag of Japan.svg Satoshi Miyauchi (宮内 聡)1997–199900000%
Flag of Japan.svg Shinobu Ikeda (池田 司信)2000–200100000%
Flag of Japan.svg Eiji Ueda (上田 栄治)2002–200400000%
Flag of Japan.svg Hiroshi Ohashi (大橋 浩司)2004–200800000%
Flag of Japan.svg Norio Sasaki (佐々木 則夫)2008–201600000%
Flag of Japan.svg Asako Takakura (高倉 麻子)2016–202100000%
Flag of Japan.svg Futoshi Ikeda (池田 太)2021–202433214855.56%
Flag of Japan.svg Norio Sasaki (佐々木 則夫)2024 (interim)1100100%
Flag of Denmark.svg Nils Nielsen (ニルス・ニールセン)2024–present631250%
As of 2 June 2025, after the match against Brazil.

Players

Current squad

The following 18 players were named to the squad for the friendly match against Spain on 27 June 2025. [35]

Caps and goals are as of 27 June 2025, after the match against Spain. [36]

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11 GK Ayaka Yamashita (山下 杏也加) (1995-09-29) 29 September 1995 (age 29)790 Flag of England.svg Manchester City
121 GK Hannah Stambaugh (スタンボー 華) (1998-12-24) 24 December 1998 (age 26)00 Flag of the United States.svg Angel City

22 DF Saori Takarada (宝田 沙織) (1999-12-27) 27 December 1999 (age 25)251 Flag of Japan.svg Cerezo Osaka Yanmar
32 DF Moeka Minami (南 萌華) (1998-12-07) 7 December 1998 (age 26)615 Flag of Italy.svg Roma
42 DF Saki Kumagai (熊谷 紗希) (1990-10-17) 17 October 1990 (age 34)1613 Flag of England.svg London City Lionesses
52 DF Miyabi Moriya (守屋 都弥) (1996-08-22) 22 August 1996 (age 28)182 Flag of the United States.svg Angel City
62 DF Tōko Koga (古賀 塔子) (2006-01-06) 6 January 2006 (age 19)172 Flag of England.svg Tottenham Hotspur
132 DF Hikaru Kitagawa (北川 ひかる) (1997-05-10) 10 May 1997 (age 28)192 Flag of Sweden.svg BK Häcken FF

73 MF Hinata Miyazawa (宮澤 ひなた) (1999-11-28) 28 November 1999 (age 25)479 Flag of England.svg Manchester United
93 MF Yuka Momiki (籾木 結花) (1996-04-09) 9 April 1996 (age 29)4515 Flag of England.svg Leicester City
103 MF Fuka Nagano (長野 風花) (1999-03-09) 9 March 1999 (age 26)501 Flag of England.svg Liverpool
153 MF Aoba Fujino (藤野 あおば) (2004-01-27) 27 January 2004 (age 21)308 Flag of England.svg Manchester City
163 MF Narumi Miura (三浦 成美) (1997-07-03) 3 July 1997 (age 28)341 Flag of the United States.svg Washington Spirit
173 MF Maika Hamano (浜野 まいか) (2004-05-09) 9 May 2004 (age 21)206 Flag of England.svg Chelsea
183 MF Hina Sugita (杉田 妃和) (1997-01-31) 31 January 1997 (age 28)493 Flag of the United States.svg Portland Thorns
193 MF Momoko Tanikawa (谷川 萌々子) (2005-05-07) 7 May 2005 (age 20)103 Flag of Germany.svg Bayern Munich

114 FW Mina Tanaka (田中 美南) (1994-04-28) 28 April 1994 (age 31)9144 Flag of the United States.svg Utah Royals
204 FW Manaka Matsukubo (松窪 真心) (2004-07-28) 28 July 2004 (age 20)50 Flag of the United States.svg North Carolina Courage

(Players are listed within position group by order of kit number, seniority, caps, goals, and then alphabetically)

The following 23 players were named to the squad for the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, held from 9 to 16 July 2025 in South Korea. [37]

Caps and goals are as of 27 June 2025, after the match against Spain.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11 GK Chika Hirao (平尾 知佳) (1996-12-31) 31 December 1996 (age 28)110 Flag of Spain.svg Granada
121 GK Natsumi Asano (浅野 菜摘) (1997-04-14) 14 April 1997 (age 28)00 Flag of Japan.svg Chifure AS Elfen Saitama
231 GK Akane Okuma (大熊 茜) (2004-09-15) 15 September 2004 (age 20)00 Flag of Japan.svg INAC Kobe Leonessa

22 DF Yu Endo (遠藤 優) (1997-10-29) 29 October 1997 (age 27)10 Flag of Japan.svg Urawa Reds
32 DF Shiori Miyake (三宅 史織) (1995-10-13) 13 October 1995 (age 29)420 Flag of Japan.svg INAC Kobe Leonessa
42 DF Chisato Ichinose (市瀬 千里) (1999-06-07) 7 June 1999 (age 26)00 Flag of Japan.svg Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina
52 DF Hana Takahashi (高橋 はな) (2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 (age 25)354 Flag of Japan.svg Urawa Reds
212 DF Rion Ishikawa (石川 璃音) (2003-07-04) 4 July 2003 (age 22)90 Flag of England.svg Everton
222 DF Hana Shimada (嶋田 華) (2002-12-18) 18 December 2002 (age 22)00 Flag of Japan.svg Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina

63 MF Oto Kanno (菅野 奏音) (2000-10-13) 13 October 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Japan.svg Tokyo Verdy Beleza
73 MF Miu Kitamura (北村 美羽) (2001-10-21) 21 October 2001 (age 23)00 Flag of Japan.svg JEF United Chiba
83 MF Yui Narumiya (成宮 唯) (1995-02-22) 22 February 1995 (age 30)94 Flag of Japan.svg INAC Kobe Leonessa
103 MF Yuzuho Shiokoshi (塩越 柚歩) (1997-11-01) 1 November 1997 (age 27)72 Flag of Japan.svg Tokyo Verdy Beleza
113 MF Yume Takikawa (滝川 結女) (1999-08-31) 31 August 1999 (age 25)00 Flag of Japan.svg Albirex Niigata
143 MF Riko Yoshida (吉田 莉胡) (2002-06-18) 18 June 2002 (age 23)00 Flag of Japan.svg INAC Kobe Leonessa

94 FW Yuzuki Yamamoto (山本 柚月) (2002-09-01) 1 September 2002 (age 22)10 Flag of Japan.svg Tokyo Verdy Beleza
134 FW Miyu Yakata (矢形 海優) (1999-12-30) 30 December 1999 (age 25)00 Flag of Japan.svg Mynavi Sendai
154 FW Mami Ueno (上野 真実) (1996-09-27) 27 September 1996 (age 28)121 Flag of Japan.svg Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina
164 FW Haruka Osawa (大澤 春花) (2001-04-15) 15 April 2001 (age 24)00 Flag of Germany.svg VfB Stuttgart
174 FW Megu Hamada (浜田 芽来) (2000-12-27) 27 December 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Japan.svg RB Omiya Ardija
184 FW Moka Hiwatari (樋渡 百花) (2005-10-09) 9 October 2005 (age 19)00 Flag of Japan.svg Tokyo Verdy Beleza
194 FW Yoshino Nakashima (中嶋 淑乃) (1999-07-27) 27 July 1999 (age 25)73 Flag of Japan.svg Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina
204 FW Haruna Aikawa (愛川 陽菜) (2003-12-04) 4 December 2003 (age 21)00 Flag of Japan.svg INAC Kobe Leonessa

(Players are listed within position group by order of kit number, seniority, caps, goals, and then alphabetically)

Recent call-ups

The following players have been named to the squad in the past 12 months. [38]

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Runa Konomi (木稲 瑠那) (2000-08-06) 6 August 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Japan.svg Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina v. Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia, 8 April 2025
GK Shu Ohba (大場 朱羽) (2002-07-11) 11 July 2002 (age 22)00 Flag of the United States.svg Ole Miss Rebels 2024 Summer Olympics ALT

DF Remina Chiba (千葉 玲海菜) (1999-04-30) 30 April 1999 (age 26)174 Flag of Germany.svg Eintracht Frankfurt v. Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil, 2 June 2025
DF Rio Sasaki (佐々木 里緒) (2004-09-17) 17 September 2004 (age 20)10 Flag of Japan.svg Mynavi Sendai v. Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia, 8 April 2025
DF Shinomi Koyama (小山 史乃観) (2005-01-31) 31 January 2005 (age 20)10 Flag of the United States.svg North Carolina Courage v. Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea, 26 October 2024
DF Risa Shimizu (清水 梨紗) (1996-06-15) 15 June 1996 (age 29)784 Flag of England.svg Manchester City 2024 Summer Olympics INJ

MF Maya Hijikata (土方 麻椰) (2004-04-13) 13 April 2004 (age 21)00 Flag of Japan.svg Tokyo Verdy Beleza 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship INJ
MF Yui Hasegawa (長谷川 唯) (1997-01-29) 29 January 1997 (age 28)9320 Flag of England.svg Manchester City v. Flag of Spain.svg  Spain, 27 June 2025 INJ
MF Kiko Seike (清家 貴子) (1996-08-08) 8 August 1996 (age 28)287 Flag of England.svg Brighton & Hove Albion v. Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil, 2 June 2025
MF Riko Ueki (植木 理子) (1999-07-30) 30 July 1999 (age 25)4312 Flag of England.svg West Ham United v. Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil, 2 June 2025
MF Miharu Shinjo (眞城 美春) (2007-02-05) 5 February 2007 (age 18)00 Flag of Japan.svg Tokyo Verdy Beleza v. Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia, 8 April 2025
MF Honoka Hayashi (林 穂之香) (1998-05-19) 19 May 1998 (age 27)382 Flag of England.svg Everton 2025 SheBelieves Cup
Notes

Previous squads

Bold indicates winning squads

Captains

Bold indicates current captain

Records

*Players in bold are still active, at least at club level.

As of 21 February 2025

Most capped players

#PlayerYear(s)CapsGoalsRef.
1 Homare Sawa 1993–201520583 [40]
2 Aya Miyama 2003–201616238 [41]
3 Saki Kumagai 2008–present1583 [42]
4 Shinobu Ohno 2003–201613940 [43]
5 Yuki Nagasato 2004–201613258 [44]
6 Kozue Ando 1999–201512619 [45]
7 Mizuho Sakaguchi 2006–201912429 [46]
8 Azusa Iwashimizu 2006–201612211 [47]
9 Hiromi Ikeda 1997–20081194
10 Tomoe Kato 1997–20081148

Top goalscorers

#PlayerYear(s)GoalsCapsRef.
1 Homare Sawa 1993–201583205 [40]
2 Yuki Nagasato 2004–201658132 [44]
3 Kaori Nagamine 1984–19964864
4 Mina Tanaka 2013–present4187 [48]
5 Shinobu Ohno 2003–201640139 [43]
6 Aya Miyama 2003–201638162 [41]
7 Mana Iwabuchi 2010–20233689 [49]
8 Mio Otani 2000–20073173
9 Futaba Kioka 1981–19963075
10 Mizuho Sakaguchi 2006–201929124 [46]
Asako Takakura 1984–19992979

Honours

Intercontinental

Med 1.png Champions: 2011
Med 2.png Runners-up: 2015
Med 2.png Runners-up: 2012

Continental

Med 1.png Champions: 2014, 2018
Med 2.png Runners-up: 1986, 1991, 1995, 2001
Med 1.png Champions: 2010, 2018, 2022
Med 2.png Runners-up: 1990, 1994, 2006, 2014

Regional

Med 1.png Champions: 2008, 2010, 2019, 2022
Med 2.png Runners-up: 2013, 2017

Other tournaments

Med 2.png Runners-up: 2012, 2014
Med 1.png Champions: 2025 [50]
Med 2.png Runners-up: 2023

Competitive record

 Champions   Runners-up    Third place    Fourth place  

FIFA Women's World Cup

FIFA Women's World Cup record
YearResultPldWD*LGFGAGDSquadCoach
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1991 Group stage3003012−12 Squad Tamotsu Suzuki
Flag of Sweden.svg 1995 Quarter-finals410328−6 Squad
Flag of the United States.svg 1999 Group stage3012110−9 Squad Satoshi Miyauchi
Flag of the United States.svg 2003 310276+1 Squad Eiji Ueda
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2007 311134−1 Squad Hiroshi Ohashi
Flag of Germany.svg 2011 Champions 6411126+6 Squad Norio Sasaki
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg 2015 Runners-up 7601118+3 Squad
Flag of France.svg 2019 Round of 16411235−2 Squad Asako Takakura
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of New Zealand.svg 2023 Quarter-finals5401153+12 Squad Futoshi Ikeda
Flag of Brazil.svg 2027 To be determined
Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2031 To be determined
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 2035 To be determined
Total9/1038184165462−8
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
FIFA Women's World Cup history
YearRoundDateOpponentResultStadium
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1991 Group stage17 NovemberFlag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg  Brazil L 0–1 New Plaza Stadium, Foshan
19 NovemberFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden L 0–8
21 NovemberFlag of the United States.svg  United States L 0–3
Flag of Sweden.svg 1995 Group stage5 JuneFlag of Germany.svg  Germany L 0–1 Tingvallen, Karlstad
7 JuneFlag of Brazil.svg  Brazil W 2–1
9 JuneFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden L 0–2 Arosvallen, Västerås
Quarter-finals13 JuneFlag of the United States.svg  United States L 0–4 Strömvallen, Gävle
Flag of the United States.svg 1999 Group stage19 JuneFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada D 1–1 Spartan Stadium, San Jose
23 JuneFlag of Russia.svg  Russia L 0–5 Civic Stadium, Portland
26 JuneFlag of Norway.svg  Norway L 0–4 Soldier Field, Chicago
Flag of the United States.svg 2003 Group stage20 SeptemberFlag of Argentina.svg  Argentina W 6–0 Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus
24 SeptemberFlag of Germany.svg  Germany L 0–3
27 SeptemberFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada L 1–3 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2007 Group stage11 SeptemberFlag of England.svg  England D 2–2 Hongkou Stadium, Shanghai
14 SeptemberFlag of Argentina.svg  Argentina W 1–0
17 SeptemberFlag of Germany.svg  Germany L 0–2 Yellow Dragon Sports Center, Hangzhou
Flag of Germany.svg 2011 Group stage27 JuneFlag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand W 2–1 Ruhrstadion, Bochum
1 JulyFlag of Mexico.svg  Mexico W 4–0 BayArena, Leverkusen
5 JulyFlag of England.svg  England L 0–2 Impuls Arena, Augsburg
Quarter-finals9 JulyFlag of Germany.svg  Germany W 1–0 Volkswagen-Arena, Wolfsburg
Semi-finals13 JulyFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden W 3–1 Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt
Final 17 JulyFlag of the United States.svg  United States D 2–2 (3–1 p)
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg 2015 Group stage8 JuneFlag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland W 1–0 BC Place, Vancouver
12 JuneFlag of Cameroon.svg  Cameroon W 2–1
16 JuneFlag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador W 1–0 Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg
Round of 1623 JuneFlag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands W 2–1 BC Place, Vancouver
Quarter-finals27 JuneFlag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia W 1–0 Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
Semi-finals1 JulyFlag of England.svg  England W 2–1
Final 5 JulyFlag of the United States.svg  United States L 2–5 BC Place, Vancouver
Flag of France.svg 2019 Group stage10 JuneFlag of Argentina.svg  Argentina D 0–0 Parc des Princes, Paris
14 JuneFlag of Scotland.svg  Scotland W 2–1 Roazhon Park, Rennes
19 JuneFlag of England.svg  England L 0–2 Allianz Riviera, Nice
Round of 1625 JuneFlag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands L 1–2 Roazhon Park, Rennes
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of New Zealand.svg 2023 Group stage22 JulyFlag of Zambia.svg  Zambia W 5–0 Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
26 JulyFlag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica W 2–0 Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
31 JulyFlag of Spain.svg  Spain W 4–0 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Round of 165 AugustFlag of Norway.svg  Norway W 3–1
Quarter-finals11 AugustFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden L 1–2 Eden Park, Auckland

Olympic Games

Olympic flag.svg Summer Olympics record
YearResultPldWD*LGFGAGDSquadCoach
Flag of the United States.svg 1996 Round 1300329−7 Squad Tamotsu Suzuki
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 2000 Did not qualify
Flag of Greece.svg 2004 Quarter-finals310223−1 Squad Eiji Ueda
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2008 Fourth place62131110+1 Squad Norio Sasaki
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 2012 Runners-up632174+3 Squad
Flag of Brazil.svg 2016 Did not qualify
Flag of Japan.svg 2020 Quarter-finals411235−2 Squad Asako Takakura
Flag of France.svg 2024 420265+1 Squad Futoshi Ikeda
Total6/82694133136−5
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
Summer Olympics history
YearRoundDateOpponentResultStadium
Flag of the United States.svg 1996 Group stage21 JulyFlag of Germany.svg  Germany L 2–3 Legion Field, Birmingham
23 JulyFlag of Brazil.svg  Brazil L 0–2
25 JulyFlag of Norway.svg  Norway L 0–4 RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
Flag of Greece.svg 2004 Group stage11 AugustFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden W 1–0 Panthessaliko Stadium, Volos
14 AugustFlag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria L 0–1 Karaiskaki Stadium, Athens
Quarter-finals20 AugustFlag of the United States.svg  United States L 1–2 Kaftanzoglio Stadium, Thessaloniki
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2008 Group stage6 AugustFlag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand D 2–2 Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Qinhuangdao
9 AugustFlag of the United States.svg  United States L 0–1
12 AugustFlag of Norway.svg  Norway W 5–1 Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai
Quarter-finals15 AugustFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China W 2–0 Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Qinhuangdao
Semi-finals18 AugustFlag of the United States.svg  United States L 2–4 Workers Stadium, Beijing
Bronze medal21 AugustFlag of Germany.svg  Germany L 0–2
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 2012 Group stage25 JulyFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada W 2–1 City of Coventry Stadium, Coventry
28 JulyFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden D 0–0
31 JulyFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa D 0–0 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Quarter-finals3 AugustFlag of Brazil.svg  Brazil W 2–0
Semi-finals6 AugustFlag of France.svg  France W 2–1 Wembley Stadium, London
Gold medal9 AugustFlag of the United States.svg  United States L 1–2
Flag of Japan.svg 2020 Group stage21 JulyFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada D 1–1 Sapporo Dome, Sapporo
24 JulyFlag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain L 0–1
27 JulyFlag of Chile.svg  Chile W 1–0 Miyagi Stadium, Rifu
Quarter-finals30 JulyFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden L 1–3 Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama
Flag of France.svg 2024 Group stage25 JulyFlag of Spain.svg  Spain L 1–2 Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
28 JulyFlag of Brazil.svg  Brazil W 2–1 Parc des Princes, Paris
31 JulyFlag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria W 3–1 Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Quarter-finals3 AugustFlag of the United States.svg  United States L 0–1 ( a.e.t. ) Parc des Princes, Paris

AFC Women's Asian Cup

AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualification
Hosts / YearResultMWDLGFGAGDSquadCoachMWDLGFGAGD
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1975 Did not enterNo Qualification
Flag of the Republic of China.svg 1977 Group Stage200208−8 Squad
Flag of India.svg 1980 Did not enter
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1981 Group stage310213−2 Squad
Flag of Thailand (TIS 982 draft standard).svg 1983 Did not enter
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1986 Runners-up4202144+10 Squad
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1989 Third place5401371+36 Squad
Flag of Japan.svg 1991 Runners-up6411276+21 Squad
Flag of Malaysia.svg 1993 Third place5401294+25 Squad
Flag of Malaysia.svg 1995 Runners-up5401273+24 Squad
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1997 Third place5401331+32 Squad
Flag of the Philippines.svg 1999 Fourth place6402366+30 Squad
Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg 2001 Runners-up6402305+25 Squad
Flag of Thailand (TIS 982 draft standard).svg 2003 Fourth place6402344+30 Squad
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 2006 5302196+13 Squad Directly Qualified
Flag of Vietnam.svg 2008 Third place5302197+12 Squad
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2010 5401162+14 Squad Norio Sasaki
Flag of Vietnam.svg 2014 Champions5410163+13 Squad
Flag of Jordan.svg 2018 532092+7 Squad Asako Takakura
Flag of India.svg 2022 Semi-finals5320183+15 Squad Futoshi Ikeda
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 2026 Qualified
Total17/20835562236568+2970000000

Asian Games

Asian Games record
HostResultMWDLGFGAGDSquadCoach
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1990 Runners-up5311178+9 Squad Tamotsu Suzuki
Flag of Japan.svg 1994 421193+6 Squad
Flag of Thailand (TIS 982 draft standard).svg 1998 Third place5302187+11 Squad Satoshi Miyauchi
Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg 2002 531183+5 Squad Eiji Ueda
Flag of Qatar.svg 2006 Runners-up5410211+20 Squad Hiroshi Ohashi
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2010 Champions431060+6 Squad Norio Sasaki
Flag of South Korea.svg 2014 Runners-up6411283+25 Squad
Flag of Indonesia.svg 2018 Champions5500142+12 Squad Asako Takakura
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2022 6600395+34 Squad Michihisa Kano  [ ja ]
Flag of Japan.svg 2026
Flag of Qatar.svg 2030
Total7/734226610725+82
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship

EAFF E-1 Football Championship record
HostResultMWDLGFGAGDSquadCoach
Flag of South Korea.svg 2005 Third place302101−1 Squad
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2008 Champions330082+6 Squad
Flag of Japan.svg 2010 330071+6 Squad
Flag of South Korea.svg 2013 Runners-up311132+1 Squad
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2015 Third place310256−1 Squad Norio Sasaki
Flag of Japan.svg 2017 Runners-up3201440 Squad Asako Takakura
Flag of South Korea.svg 2019 Champions3300130+13 Squad
Flag of Japan.svg 2022 321062+4 Squad Futoshi Ikeda
Flag of South Korea.svg 2025 Qualified Squad
Total8/82415454618+28
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
EAFF E-1 Football Championship history
YearRoundOpponentScoreResult
2005First matchFlag of North Korea.svg  North Korea 0–1Loss
Second matchFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 0–0Draw
Third matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 0–0Draw
2008First matchFlag of North Korea.svg  North Korea 3–2Win
Second matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 2–0Win
Third matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 3–0Win
2010First matchFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 2–0Win
Second matchFlag of Chinese Taipei (Olympics; 1986-2010).svg  Chinese Taipei 3–0Win
Third matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 2–1Win
2013First matchFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 2–0Win
Second matchFlag of North Korea.svg  North Korea 0–0Draw
Third matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 1–2Loss
2015First matchFlag of North Korea.svg  North Korea 2–4Loss
Second matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 1–2Loss
Third matchFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 2–0Win
2017First matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 3–2Win
Second matchFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 1–0Win
Third matchFlag of North Korea.svg  North Korea 0–2Loss
2019First matchFlag of Chinese Taipei (Olympics; 1986-2010).svg  Chinese Taipei 7–0Win
Second matchFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 3–0Win
Third matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 1–0Win
2022First matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 2–1Win
Second matchFlag of Chinese Taipei (Olympics; 1986-2010).svg  Chinese Taipei 4–1Win
Third matchFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 0–0Draw
2025First matchFlag of Chinese Taipei (Olympics; 1986-2010).svg  Chinese Taipei
Second matchFlag of South Korea.svg  South Korea
Third matchFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China

Algarve Cup

The Algarve Cup is an invitational tournament for national teams in women's association football hosted by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Held annually in the Algarve region of Portugal since 1994, it is one of the most prestigious and longest-running women's international football events and has been nicknamed the "Mini FIFA Women's World Cup." [52]

Flag of Portugal (official).svg Algarve Cup record
YearResultMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGFGAGDSquadCoach
19942010 Did not enter
2011 3rd place430193+6 Squad
2012 2nd place430185+3 Squad Norio Sasaki
2013 5th place4202440 Squad
2014 2nd place421145−1 Squad
2015 9th place420275+2 Squad
2016 Did not enter
2017 6th place420275+2 Squad Asako Takakura
2018 6th place420269−3 Squad
2019–2023Did not enter
Total 7/2728161114536+9

Cyprus Women's Cup

Flag of Cyprus.svg Cyprus Women's Cup record
YearResultGPWDLGFGAGDSquadCoach
2008 3rd place3111550 Squad
Total1/133111550

SheBelieves Cup

The SheBelieves Cup is a global invitational tournament for national teams in women's football hosted in the United States.

Flag of the United States.svg SheBelieves Cup record
YearResultMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGFGASquadCoach
20162018 Did not enter
2019 Third place311156 Squad Asako Takakura
2020 300327 Squad
2021 Withdrew due to the COVID-19 pandemic [53]
2022 Did not enter
2023 Runners-up310232 Squad Futoshi Ikeda
2024 201123 Squad
2025 Champions3300102 Squad Nils Nielsen
Total 5/10145272220
SheBelieves Cup history
YearRoundOpponentScoreResult
2019 First matchFlag of the United States.svg  United States 2–2Draw
Second matchFlag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 3–1Win
Third matchFlag of England.svg  England 0–3Loss
2020 First matchFlag of Spain.svg  Spain 1–3Loss
Second matchFlag of England.svg  England 0–1Loss
Third matchFlag of the United States.svg  United States 1–3Loss
2023 First matchFlag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 0–1Loss
Second matchFlag of the United States.svg  United States 0–1Loss
Third matchFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 3–0Win
2024 First matchFlag of the United States.svg  United States 1–2Loss
Second matchFlag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 2–2 (0–3 ( p ))Draw
2025 First matchFlag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 4–0Win
Second matchFlag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 4–1Win
Third matchFlag of the United States.svg  United States 2–1Win

Tournament of Nations

The Tournament of Nations was a global invitational tournament for national teams in women's soccer in non-World Cup and non-Olympic years hosted by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) in several American cities. [54] The inaugural tournament was held in 2017.

The 2021 edition would have been a pre-Olympics tournament due to the rescheduling of the Tokyo Olympics. [55] On May 6, 2021, however, the USSF announced that it would no longer hold Tournament of Nations because recent changes in international windows by FIFA made a round-robin tournament unfeasible. [56]

Flag of the United States.svg Tournament of Nations record
YearResultMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGFGASquadCoach
2017 301238 Squad Asako Takakura
2018 300338 Squad
Total 2/26015616

See also

National teams
Men's
Women's

References

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Sporting positions
Preceded by World Champions
2011 (first title)
Succeeded by
Preceded by Asian Champions
2014 (first title)
2018 (second title)
Succeeded by