Japan is one of the favorites for the upcoming and highly-anticipated summer tournament in France. Here's everything you need to know about the Asian giant.

What is Japan's history in the FIFA Women's World Cup?

Japan is one of the most feared sides in women's football, and rightly so after back-to-back impressive FIFA Women's World Cup campaigns. In 2011, Nadeshiko Japan was crowned champion of the world in Germany, beating USWNT in the final. Four years later, the Asian giant made it all the way to the final at Canada 2015, but this time suffered a 5-2 loss to the Stars and Stripe.

Two finals in the last two World Cups is an impressive record. They have qualified in all of the seven tournaments prior to France 2019 but crashed out in the group stage in four times.

What is Japan's group at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Japan are in Group D. For more information and analysis on the Japanese's Last 16 qualification chances, check out Group D: Argentina, England, Japan, Scotland - 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup teams.

What is Japan's full squad list for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Goalkeepers: Sakiko Ikeda, Ayaka Yamashita, Chika Hirao

Defenders: Rumi Utsugi, Aya Sameshima, Saki Kumagai, Nana Ichise, Moeka Minami, Asato Miyagawa, Risa Shimizu, Shiori Miyake

Midfielders: Hina Sugita, Emi Nakajima, Mizuho Sakaguchi, Yui Hasegawa, Yuka Momiki, Narumi Miura 

Forwards: Mana Iwabuchi, Yuika Sugasawa, Rikako Kobayashi, Riko Ueki, Jun Endo, Kumi Yokoyama

Who are the key players to watch for Japan at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Japan's roster incorporates enough experience to look to for leadership and inspiration. Aya Sameshima and Saki Kumagai, both of which play the Lyon side that has won the last three Women's Champions League titles, will be tasked with organizing the defense.

NWSL ace Rumi Utsugi of Reign FC, with 111 caps under her belt, will be the bridge in defensive midfield Japan will need to balance their game. Yokoyama will be a youtful option in attack as she will aim to add to her 16 international career goals.

Who is Japan's coach?

Asako Takakura is the lady in charge of the national team. She took over the helms in 2016, succeeding the successful Norio Sasaki who was instrumental in Japan's two impressive World Cup campaigns in 2011 and 2015. Takakura is a four-time Asian Women's Coach of the Year and has enjoyed a lovely coaching career, having led her nation to the 2014 Under-17 Women's World Cup title and the 2015 Asian U-19 Championship titles.

How can I watch Japan's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup matches?

Japan will face Argentina, Scotland, and England in their group stage matches, and here's how you can see them in action from wherever you are based:

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Argentina 0 - 0 Japan

June 10, 2019 12:00pmParc des Princes (Paris)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

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Match details, result and original broadcast info

Japan 2 - 1 Scotland

June 14, 2019 9:00amRoazhon Park (Rennes)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

Fox Sports 1 USA
fuboTV
NBC Sports App
UNIVERSO
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Telemundo Deportes En Vivo

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Japan 0 - 2 England

June 19, 2019 3:00pmAllianz Riviera (Nice)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

Fox Sports 1 USA
fuboTV
NBC Sports App
Bally Sports
Telemundo Deportes En Vivo