On Tuesday, 11 June, as part of the 6th round of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Japan will face Syria. The hosts have already secured their spot in the next round and can finish the campaign with a perfect record, while Syria desperately needs points to fight for second place.
The match will take place in Hiroshima at the stadium of the same name.
After being knocked out by Croatia in the round of 16 in the last World Cup, Japan secured 11 consecutive victories heading into the Asian Cup, where they were regarded as favourites. However, they were ousted by Iran in the quarterfinals, adding another disappointment to their international record. Nevertheless, the hosts have regained their form in recent matches, defeating North Korea (1:0) and Myanmar (5:0) thanks to goals from Keito Nakamura and Koki Ogawa, as well as efforts from Ritsu Doan.
Now, the team will aim to maintain their perfect points record and achieve another clean-sheet victory, advancing to the next round without conceding a single goal (goal difference 19:0). Moreover, it should be noted that the "islanders" have won 11 home matches in a row, with their last home defeat dating back to March last year.
Syria's chances of advancing to the next round of qualification were severely jeopardised when they lost to North Korea 1:0, with the only goal scored by Jon Il-Hwan. Now, the "Eagles of Qasioun" must pull off a miracle against a country they have never beaten in their history. With seven points from five rounds, the visitors are second overall but only one point ahead of their closest rivals.
During the last Asian Cup, Syria performed quite well, reaching the round of 16, only to suffer the same fate as their upcoming opponents with a defeat to Iran. Hector Cuper's side have not tasted success in their last four away matches, and since March 2022, they have not scored more than one goal per away game. Apart from a few Syrians playing in the local league, most of the team's players are scattered across the globe..
Syria have never beaten Japan, and the last encounter between these teams in November 2023 ended in a resounding victory for the red and whites (0:5).
Japan has already proven to be a head above the rest in Group B. Although the hosts have already secured first place, they are likely to aim for a convincing home win to wrap up the qualification stage. Syria lags significantly behind their opponents in class and has struggled in away matches in recent months. I dare to predict a massive win for the favourites with a -2 handicap.
Japan boasts arguably the strongest attacking line in Asia and will delight their fans with a couple of goals. I bet on their individual total over 2.5 goals.
The Japanese team outclasses their opponents and will dominate possession throughout the match. I bet on the hosts to win with a -4.5 corner kick handicap.
Syria will be defending a lot and, consequently, committing more fouls. Therefore, I bet on the visitors to win in yellow cards.
I place my bet on a 4:0 victory in favour of Japan.
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