Japan — Paraguay : Match Preview and Prediction for October 10,2025

Japan’s World Cup Preparations

Hajime Moriyasu’s squad is steadily advancing its preparations for the upcoming World Cup. While no official fixtures are on the immediate horizon, the team is set to face South American opposition in friendlies. Paraguay appears to be a manageable opponent, serving as a crucial test before a more formidable encounter with Brazil.

Recent Performance and Asian Cup Struggles

Historically, the ‘Samurai Blue’ have somewhat lost their luster in the Asian Cups, often creating unnecessary difficulties for themselves in the knockout stages. However, the most recent qualification campaign clearly demonstrated Japan’s genuine capability to progress deep into the World Cup. They secured their spot earlier than any other team, topping their qualification group with several matches to spare. Following this impressive run, they confidently triumphed in the East Asian Championship, notably securing an away victory against Korea. The national team is methodically honing its form for the global tournament, even playing matches in the USA, though recent outings against Mexico and the United States were not particularly successful.

Paraguay’s Historic Qualification

In contrast, Paraguay has authored a truly remarkable chapter in its footballing history. While there have been past cycles where the team unexpectedly exceeded expectations to qualify for major tournaments, few anticipated such a strong performance this time around. Their commendable sixth-place finish in the qualifiers has earned them a direct berth at the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted in a nearby region.

Defensive Strength and Offensive Challenges

Paraguay has undeniably showcased an exceptionally defensive style of play. In fact, only the bottom two teams in the South American qualification standings managed to score fewer goals. Gustavo Alfaro’s side demonstrated a highly pragmatic approach. However, it’s also worth noting that their away performances have frequently been described as mediocre. Within their own region, Paraguay scored a mere five goals in nine away fixtures. Given that the qualifiers concluded not long ago, and this marks their first friendly match, it’s highly probable that the team will be experimenting with new tactics. Furthermore, lingering concerns regarding their attacking prowess persist.