• Saudi Arabia were drawn with Argentina, Mexico and Poland in group C

Arab News Japan

Japan have been drawn to face former champions Spain and Germany in Group E for the World Cup in Qatar.

The Samurai Blue team will take on Germany on Nov 23, it was announced at the tournament draw on Friday. The 2022 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on Nov. 21.

After taking on the 2014 winners, currently ranked 12th, Japan will play the team that emerges from June’s intercontinental playoff between the 31st-ranked Costa Rica and New Zealand, which sits one spot outside the top-100, on Nov. 27.

Spain, the winners of the 2010 tournament and the seventh-ranked nation, then await on Dec. 1.

It is the toughest draw at any World Cup to date for Samurai Blue, who made their tournament debut in 1998 and have alternated between group-stage and last 16 exits. They have reached the knockout phase more than any other team from Asia.

Japan, 23rd in the latest FIFA rankings, qualified for the seventh straight time but not before stumbling to two defeats from three opening games in their final Asian qualifying group, losing to Oman at home and away to Saudi Arabia, but winning the next six to clinch a place in Qatar.

Saudi Arabia were drawn with Argentina, Mexico and Poland in group C.

Herve Renard’s team will open their World Cup account against much-fancied Argentina — complete with superstar Ballon d’Or holder Lionel Messi — on Nov. 22.

The Green Falcons then take on Poland four days later, followed by Mexico on Nov. 30.

The 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, will be expanded to 48 nations.

• (With inputs from Arab News)