England vs Belgium was a thriller, one of the best games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament so far.
But the next day, the tournament continued, and it was the turn of another tournament favorite… France.
[FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32]
[Match 7: France vs Japan]
[Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA]
[Date: July 3rd, 2026]
[Kick-off: 17:00 local time]
[Referee: Fernando Guerrero (Mexico)]
The weather at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas was humid and heated, both in climate and in emotion.
It was dubbed the Brave Blossoms vs the Blue Juggernaut: A Tale of Daring Resistance.
The question was, did Japan actually have what it takes to write a tale of a daring resistance?
No one gave Japan a chance.
Facing the reigning World Cup finalists and arguably the most talent-rich squad in the world, Japan entered the stadium with humility, but also with a quiet flame of fervor and ambition.
France, led by the unstoppable Kylian Mbappe were tournament favourites.
