Japan beats Ghana to remain optimistic for the 2026 World Cup

Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan scored either side of half-time as Japan defeated compatriots Ghana in Toyota with just over six months to go before next year’s tournament.

It was Japan’s first match since a 3-2 friendly win over Brazil in Tokyo last month, the first time the country has defeated the five-time world champions in 14 attempts.

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Doan said the result was still on their minds against Ghana.

“There was a different kind of pressure tonight after the game against Brazil,” said the 27-year-old. “We wanted to try to avoid the ups and downs that happen in football, and I’m glad we were able to get the win.”

It was the first match for Ghana since qualifying for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico last month with a 1-0 win over the Comoros.

The midfielder, Abu Francis, left the match on a stretcher early in the second half with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.

Ghana defended deep despite Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo and Coventry’s Brandon Thomas-Asante, who has scored 10 goals in the English Championship this season.

“Today was a good exercise before the World Cup in breaking down a high-quality, well-organized team stuck in defense,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said.

«We were able to break them open.»

‘Determined not to give in’

Japan were still missing injured Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, and Liverpool’s Wataru Endo had to settle for a place on the bench on his return to the squad after missing the match against Brazil.

Goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa took over from Zion Suzuki, who broke a wrist and finger at Parma.

Japan opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Kaishu Sano found Minamino unmarked in the penalty area, and the Monaco forward took a touch before slotting the ball into the net.

Doan doubled Japan’s lead just before the hour mark when he received the ball wide of the penalty area and cut inside before drilling in a left-foot finish.

Moriyasu was happy to keep a clean sheet after a 2-2 draw in a friendly against Paraguay last month and scoring two goals against Brazil.

“I didn’t want to say too much to the players and make them think about it too much,” he said. “They were determined not to give in, and then they would try to get them open and score.”

Japan continues its World Cup preparations on Tuesday with a friendly against Bolivia in Tokyo, while the Ghanaians play South Korea in Seoul.

Published on November 14, 2025