Ex-Japan hero Keisuke Honda has sent a message after his nation bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Samurai Blue lost 2-1 to Brazil in the Round of 32 of the tournament (Monday, June 29).

Honda, who represented his nation at three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018), bagged four goals and three assists in 10 appearances in the competition. He is the only player from his country to have scored in three different editions of the tournament.

Ahead of the World Cup, the four-time AFC Asian Cup winners were dealt multiple blows with injuries sidelining key players. Forwards Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma were ruled out of the tournament with ACL and hamstring injuries respectively. Shockingly, erstwhile captain Wataru Endo also announced his international retirement on the eve of the tournament due to a recurring foot injury.

Despite the notable misses, Japan qualified for the Round of 32 after a win against Tunisia and draws against Netherlands and Sweden. In the knockout fixture against Brazil, Kaishu Sano’s long-range strike (29′) was cancelled out by Casemiro’s header (56′). Extra time was looming on the horizon; however, a late defensive error from Ao Tanaka allowed Gabriel Martinelli to capitalize and score the winner (90+6′).

After the heart-breaking defeat, Honda took to social media to send an appreciative message to the fans. On X, the 40-year-old wrote (translated from Japanese):

“Thank you for cheering on the Japan national team.”

The result means that the Asian nation are still yet to win a knockout phase encounter at the FIFA World Cup. Their best results still remain their Round of 16 appearances in the 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022 editions.

“The gap between us is closing” – Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu makes claim after 2-1 defeat to Brazil in Round of 32 at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has claimed that the gap between his side and historically dominant sides like Brazil are closing down.

Moriyasu’s team held their own against the five-time FIFA World Cup champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). They broke the Brazilian defense down while attacking and held firm while defending until the late mistake that ended their campaign.

Speaking after the game, the 57-year-old tactician said (via ESPN):

“We were not able to achieve our goal this time but then we can aim for the next World Cup or maybe even one after that. We should work toward that goal, which is what we’ve been doing… I don’t think history would be gentle to us. But if we are to overcome today maybe we will see a time where history will change. The gap between us is closing now. Brazil is a top-tier team and we’re definitely approaching that level.”

In the Round of 16, Brazil will face the winner of the Round of 32 encounter between Cote d’Ivoire and Norway (June 30).