Japan produced one of the shocks of the 2026 World Cup when Ao Tanaka fired home in the 87th minute to hand Germany a 1-0 defeat in Group F. The Samurai Blue soaked up long spells of pressure before striking on the counter, leaving the four-time champions staring at an early exit.

Germany now must beat Costa Rica in their final group match and hope results elsewhere go their way if they are to reach the knockout stage. Coach Hansi Flick’s side created chance after chance but lacked a clinical edge, while Japan’s organized defense frustrated the European giants until the decisive moment.

Tanaka’s late heroics sent the Japanese bench into raptures and lifted the entire nation back home.