1998 France World Cup Debut
Japan's first World Cup appearance came in 1998.
Japan made its FIFA World Cup debut at the 1998 tournament in France.
Quick Facts
- Tournament
- 1998 FIFA World Cup
- Host nation
- France
- Head coach
- Takeshi Okada
- Key players
- Masami Ihara, Hidetoshi Nakata
- Group stage result
- Eliminated in Group F
Lore & Background
Japan first appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 1998. As of the 2026 edition, Japan has made 8 appearances in the tournament.
Reader's Guide
Japan's debut in 1998 marked its first participation in the World Cup finals. The team has since appeared in multiple tournaments, with its best performance reaching the Round of 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Japan first qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals?
The team achieved this historic milestone in 1998, marking their debut appearance at the tournament hosted by France.
Who was the head coach during Japan's 1998 World Cup campaign?
Philippe Troussier managed the squad, bringing European tactical influence to a lineup featuring players with overseas experience.
How did Japan perform in their group stage matches?
They were placed in Group F and were eliminated after losing all three of their opening round games against Croatia, Jamaica, and Argentina.
Who scored the first goal in Japan's World Cup history?
Masami Ihara found the net during the match against Jamaica, securing a historic milestone despite the team ultimately finishing last in their group.
More in Team History & Eras
Elsewhere in Japan National Team
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