Japan vs Croatia World Cup 2026 Tickets

Japan vs. Croatia History

There's actually a decent bit of history between these two teams in World Cup action. In 2006 in Germany the two teams played out a 0-0 draw and in 1998 a Davor Suker goal was all the separated the two sides.

Japan at the World Cup

Japan pulled off a shock win over Germany, despite being behind after the first half in their first group stage game but then lost to Costa Rica and appeared to have ruined their chances of qualification for the Round of 16. However goals from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka saw Japan beat Spain and finish top of their group which lined them up for this Round of 16 match with Croatia.

Croatia at the World Cup

It would be fair to characterize Croatia's World Cup thus far as being somewhat underwhelming but they did manage to make it through their group, albeit after some very laboured performances.

They draw their opener with Morocco and then thumped Canada 4-1, after being a goal behind, and that set up a crucial match against Belgium where they held firm to secure the draw they needed to finish second in Group F.

In 2018 Croatia made it all the way to the World Cup final, where they lost to France, and Luka Modric