Kathmandu. Ayase Ueda has quietly emerged as Japan’s most reliable offensive weapon. He will be a key player to watch when the Blue Samurai take on Brazil in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Japan qualified for the knockout stages as runners-up in Group F. They now play the most exciting match of the tournament against the five-time world champions.
Ueda’s importance goes beyond scoring goals. The Feyenoord striker has mobility, ball retention, aerial prowess and excellent shooting skills in the penalty area.
Playing against a technically strong Brazilian defense, Japan may spend a lot of time without the ball. In such a situation, every attack opportunity will be very valuable. Ueda’s ability to turn limited chances into goals could help Japan secure one of its biggest upsets of the tournament.
The 27-year-old has already shown his excellent form in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. In an impressive 4-0 win over Tunisia, he scored two goals and provided one assist. His finishing and positioning in this match received universal praise.
As a starter against the Netherlands and Sweden, he helped Japan remain unbeaten in the group stage. In three group stage matches, he led Japan’s attack with two goals and one assist.
Ueda also came to the World Cup in excellent form at the club level. Playing for Feyenoord in the Dutch league, he had the best season of his career. In the 2025/26 season, he played 31 league matches and scored 25 goals. While participating in European competition, he scored another goal in the Europa League. These statistics confirm that he is currently one of the most successful Japanese strikers playing in Europe.
His international career is also on the rise. Since making his senior debut for Japan in 2019, Ueda has been coach Hajime Moriyasu’s main striker. He scored consistently in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, AFC Asian Cup and international friendlies. According to the Opta player database, he scored 8 goals and provided 2 assists in 9 international matches played in 2026. This reflects the excellent form he is showing at the World Cup.
Although Ueda participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his role was limited to that of a regular member of the team at the time. He received very little playing time and did not score.
But this 2026 tournament was his “breakthrough” on football’s biggest stage. His two goals against Tunisia proved that he can perform well under pressure. Additionally, his smart pressing and high work rate helped Japan maintain a balance between attack and defense.
Brazil, with their excellent attacking players, will undoubtedly control possession. This means Japanese strikers will have to be very lethal given the limited chances they get. Ueda is especially dangerous when he wins the ball and goes on a counterattack.
He knows how to get around defenders in time and confidently deliver crosses. His physical strength allows him to hold the ball and collaborate with the midfielders, which helps Japan relieve opposition pressure.
Another reason why Ueda is considered a player to watch is his growing chemistry with Japan’s creative players. The speed of midfielders and strikers such as Daichi Kamada and Ritsu Doan constantly creates opportunities that perfectly match Ueda’s movements inside the box. This rapport with his teammates was evident throughout the World Cup campaign.
Briefly about Ayase Ueda
- Position: center forward
- Club: Feyenoord (Netherlands)
- 2026 World Cup: 3 matches, 2 goals, 1 assist (group stage)
- International kit 2026: 9 matches, 8 goals, 2 assists in all competitions.
- Club season 2025/26: 31 matches played, 25 league goals, plus participation in European competitions for Feyenoord.
Japan’s chances of beating Brazil will largely depend on its defensive balance and excellent performance. Despite Brazil having world-class attacking stars, knockout football is often decided by one decisive moment.
If Japan wants to achieve another historic result at the World Cup, Ayase Ueda is likely to be the player who can provide that magic moment.