Prediction: Japan vs Syria

Prediction: Japan to win 3-0

Best Odds: 7/1

Bookmaker: Zetbet

Japan and Syria will lock horns with each other this week. The AFC World Cup Qualifiers Second Round Group B match between Hajime Moriyasu’s side and Héctor Cúper’s team will be held at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima Stadium in Hiroshima, Japan and is scheduled to kick off at 11:14 am UK time on Tuesday. 

Japan

Japan are one of the biggest footballing nations in Asia and are a massive force in the competition. They regularly compete in major international tournaments and have some superb players, many of whom play in Europe’s major domestic leagues, including the Premier League.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side have done extremely well in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Japan have already progressed to the AFC third round after winning al five of their matches in Group B.

Japan have scored 19 goals in five games. They have not conceded a single goal and are expected to ease past Syria on Tuesday.

Team News:

Japan are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Maekwa will be in goal for the home team. Sugawara, Itakura, Machida and Ito will be the four defenders. Endo and Tanaka are likely to line up in holding midfield. Doan, Minamino and Maeda will be the three attacking midfielders. Ueda will lead the line for Japan.

Syria

Syria are not a major footballing nation and do not have a strong team. They do not have a history of qualifying for major international competitions, and it is hard to see Héctor Cúper’s side progress to the 2026 World Cup finals.

Héctor Cúper’s team have a tough task of progressing from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC second round. Syrian are second in Group B with seven points from five matches, eight points behind leaders Japan and a point ahead of North Korea, who are third. 

Syria lost to North Korea in their last qualifying game. They have to win against Japan to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the World Cup qualifying third round because North Korea are expected to pick up all three points against Myanmar.

Team News:

Syria are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 formation against Japan. Madanieh will be in goal for the visiting team. Oues, Krouma, Midani and Ajan will be the four defenders. Elias, Al Khouli and Ham will be the three midfielders. Hesar, Ramadan and Al-Somah are likely to be the three forwards.

Key Factors to Consider

• Japan have won their last 4 2026 World Cup qualifying games.
• Japan have lost 2 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
• Japan have won 4 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
• Syria have lost 3 of their last 6 games in all competitions.
• Syria have won 2 and lost 2 of their last 6 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.

Conclusion

Japan have a much better team than Syria and playing at home will also give them an advantage. It is hard to see anything but a victory for the Samurai Blue.

Prediction: Japan to win 3-0

Best Odds: 7/1

Bookmaker: Zetbet