Samengevat — wie is beter, Japan of Spain?
Japan and Spain are nearly inseparable on paper for the 2026 World Cup. Our model gives Spain a slim 42% win probability versus Japan, with a 19% chance of a draw — average squad ratings differ by just 0.2 points. Expect a tight, tactical encounter where in-match decisions and individual quality decide it.
De kern
This is an extremely tight matchup. Both Japan and Spain are evenly matched across key metrics, making this one of the most unpredictable potential encounters at the 2026 World Cup. Tactical execution and individual moments of brilliance will likely decide the outcome.
Belangrijkste verschillen: Japan vs Spain
- •FIFA Ranking: Spain sit 11 places higher on the FIFA ranking (#2 vs #13).
- •Squad Chemistry: Spain have stronger squad cohesion (86/100 vs 82/100).
- •Average Squad Rating: The two squads are rated within 0.2 of each other on average (Japan 6.9, Spain 7.1).
- •International Experience: Japan bring more combined caps to the squad (668 vs 667).
- •World Cup Titles: Spain have won 1 World Cup; Japan have 0.
Wie wint?
Ons AI-model weegt vorm, selectiekwaliteit en teamcohesie om de meest waarschijnlijke uitkomst te voorspellen.
Hoe ze zich verhouden
Een vergelijking naast elkaar van de belangrijkste factoren die dit duel kunnen beslissen. Hoger is beter (behalve bij de FIFA-ranking, waar lager = sterker).
Wat betekenen deze?
- Chemistry — Hoe goed de selectie als eenheid samenspeelt. Denk aan het tiki-taka van Barcelona tegenover een willekeurige verzameling sterren.
- Vertrouwdheid — Hoelang deze spelers al samenspelen. Selecties met jaren gedeelde ervaring lezen elkaars loopacties instinctief.
- Stabiliteit — Hoe consistent het tactische systeem en de opstelling zijn geweest. Veel trainerswissels en experimenten met formaties schaden deze score.
- Moreel — Het huidige zelfvertrouwen en momentum van de selectie. Recente zeges, steun van fans en positieve media dragen er allemaal aan bij.
Japan
Spain
Selectievergelijking
Belangrijke onderlinge duels
WK-historie
Japan vs Spain — Veelgestelde vragen
Who is favored to win between Japan and Spain at the 2026 World Cup?
Japan and Spain are essentially even. Our AI model gives Spain a slight 42% win probability versus 39% for Japan, with a 19% chance of a draw — within the model's noise range.
What are Japan's strongest attributes versus Spain?
Japan do not lead Spain in any of the four chemistry metrics (chemistry, familiarity, stability, morale). Japan will need to rely on individual quality and tactical execution to overcome Spain's edge in team cohesion.
What is the World Cup history of Japan versus Spain?
Japan have appeared in 7 FIFA World Cups and won 0 titles; Spain have appeared in 16 World Cups and won 1 title. Japan's best finish is Round of 16; Spain's best finish is Winners.
Have Japan and Spain faced each other in major international competition?
Japan and Spain have not been frequent opponents in our tracked head-to-head record set, which focuses on the most consequential international rivalries. The 2026 World Cup could provide one of their first high-stakes meetings on the global stage.
Which players will define the Japan versus Spain match?
Takefusa Kubo (Japan, Real Sociedad, rated 7.5/10) and Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona, rated 8.5/10) are the standout attack players in this fixture. Their individual duel — and the ability of each side's defense to contain the other's top attacker — is likely to determine the outcome.
Which squad has more international experience: Japan or Spain?
Japan carry the more experienced squad, with 668 combined senior caps versus 667 for Spain. Average squad rating is 6.9 for Japan and 7.1 for Spain.