From amateurism to world title: Japan has a plan to win the World Cup by 2050

Japan drew its opening match against the Netherlands and beat Tunisia 2-0. It is in second place in Group F Getty Images Opponents in this Monday's (29) match, the Japanese and Brazilian national teams have a very different history when it comes to soccer. While Brazil already had three World Cup titles, Japan did not yet have a professional league in the sport. 📱Bookmark g1 on Google and follow the main news of the day In fact, it was shortly before our fourth title that the country created the J.League (professional league) and, right from its creation, began thinking about the biggest prize possible: winning a World Cup. To do this, the country drew up, at the time, a 100-year plan, called the "Hundred Year Vision," which would make them champions by 2092. In 2005, however, the vision changed. Since they managed to qualify for two World Cups in a short time, the deadline for the goal was reduced by 42 years and the goal, now, is to be champion by 2050. ⚽➡️Japan and Brazil face each other in the first stage of the 2026 World Cup knockout round this Monday at 2 PM. Opponent of the National Team: Japan draws with Sweden and faces Brazil in the second round Follow the Cup on ge: 2026 World Cup Simulator 2026 World Cup Calendar: see dates and times of all matches RESULTS: check the World Cup table Creation of the J. League The first edition of the championship was played in 1993, with ten clubs. But, even before the ball started rolling, a central figure for the development and popularization of the sport had already arrived in Japan: Zico. Hired by Kashima Antlers in 1991, the former number 10 symbolized the ambition of the Japanese project: to create a competitive league and accelerate the development of the sport. At the club, he helped form a professional culture that turned him into one of the most important figures in the history of the J.League. Other Brazilians, such as Leonardo, Dunga, Bismarck, and Ramon Menezes, also passed through the league in the early years. The foreign presence was part of a broader plan that combined clubs linked to communities, structured youth categories, and investment in training — foundations that would help Japan reach its first World Cup in 1998. Change in route A part of the plan was realized a few years later. Already in 1998, the national team played in its first World Cup. Since then, the country has never been left out of a tournament. Thinking about this, in 2005, the country revisited the 100-year plan and reduced the deadline. Now, the goal is to win a World Cup by 2050. Furthermore, the plan includes being the host of the tournament in 2050 as well. To do this, the entity established goals that went beyond the main national team. The plan aimed to involve 10 million people with soccer, expand the training of players and coaches, strengthen youth categories, and consolidate a national playing identity. For now, Japan faces the challenge of getting past the round of 16 of the competition, something unprecedented for the team.