The Dutch, quarter-finalists in 2022 and ranked seventh in the world by FIFA, will be favourites to progress. Their biggest challenge is likely to come from Japan, who became the first side to secure their place at the tournament in March last year after breezing through their qualifying group.

Record Asian champion Japan is aiming to upset the established order once again after a memorable 2022 campaign.

Hajime Moriyasu is a former midfielder and longtime coach who has led Japan’s national team since 2018. He guided Japan to the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 with landmark wins over Germany and Spain. Previously, he won multiple titles with Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima, establishing himself as one of Japan’s top managers.

The Socceroos have almost certainly secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, barring a mathematical anomaly. While Japan dominated Australia for most of Thursday night's match, Socceroos defender Aziz Behich struck in the 90th minute to deliver a 1-0 win and send the almost 60,000-strong crowd at Perth Stadium into a frenzy.

North Korea reportedly canceled hosting Japan in a World Cup qualifier just hours after losing to Japan in Tokyo on Thursday.

Netherlands are the headliners in a World Cup group with Japan, Tunisia, and Sweden.