Japan’s 2022 World Cup Giant-Killings
Japan’s 2022 World Cup Giant-Killings
At the 2022 World Cup, Japan stunned the world by beating both Germany and Spain to top their group. Here is the story of the Samurai Blue’s upsets.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Japan produced one of the tournament’s great stories — beating two former world champions, Germany and Spain, to top a group of giants. Here is how the Samurai Blue did it.
1. Beating Germany
A stunning comeback.
Japan came from behind to beat Germany 2–1 in their opening game — a result that shocked the football world.
2. Beating Spain
Doing it again.
They repeated the feat against Spain, again winning 2–1 from behind — proving the Germany result was no fluke.
3. Topping the group
Above two champions.
Those wins saw Japan finish top of a group containing two former world champions — a landmark in their World Cup history and proof of how far Japanese football has come.
4. So close to more
Heartbreak again.
Japan fell to Croatia on penalties in the last 16 — agonisingly close to a first quarter-final, but a tournament that announced them as genuine giant-killers.
Frequently asked questions
What did Japan do at the 2022 World Cup?
They beat both Germany and Spain 2–1, each time from behind, to finish top of their group, before losing to Croatia on penalties in the last 16.
Why were the wins so impressive?
Germany and Spain are both former world champions; topping their group was a landmark for Japanese football.
How far did Japan go?
The round of 16, losing on penalties to Croatia.
Keep exploring
Explore the stories, systems and culture behind Japanese sport.
Sources & notes
- Overview of Japan at the 2022 World Cup (beat Germany and Spain 2–1, topped group, lost to Croatia on penalties in R16). 2022 FIFA World Cup – Group E (Wikipedia). General information.
A history guide dated 23 June 2026. No copyrighted material is reproduced. General information.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月23日 | 初回公開 |
| 2026年6月24日 | 情報を更新 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月24日
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