Takumi Minamino has two assists as Japan cruise against Myanmar | OneFootball

For their first qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup, the Samurai Blue made short work of Myanmar (5-0). A starter, Takumi Minamino delighted again, delivering two assists.

In strong form since June, Japan continues to impress the football world. It is now a run of six victories in a row since the players began their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup in America. Facing Myanmar (formerly Burma), 158th in the FIFA rankings, the teammates of Takumi Minamino did not approach the match lightly, disposing of the Lions more than easily (5-0)

Taki plays the provider

Starting as a number 10 in the 4-2-3-1 set up by coach Hajime Moriyasu, our Monegasque midfielder once again stood out. Having played well in the team’s big win over Canada (4-1), this time he turned provider, delivering a fine ball for the former Cercle Bruges striker Ayase Ueda, with a subtle lob that took out the entire defense.

His tenth assist on international duty

Leading 3-0 at the break, the Japanese didn’t want to stop there and in the second half the native of Izumisano had a second assist, his tenth for his country, for his team’s fourth goal. With a finely played ball, he managed to once again find Ayase Ueda, who sprung the offside trap. The current Feyenoord player did not hesitate, sealing his  hat-trick in the 50th minute of the match.

An ideal start to these qualifiers

5-0 winners, this is, however, not the first time that Japan has inflicted such a heavy score agaisnt Myanmar, since they had been the ones who inflicted the heaviest defeat in the history of this country, with a 10-0 result in May 2021 — a match during which Takumi Mimanimo also scored a double.

More than the score, it is a first important victory in qualification, before they face Syria next Tuesday. It’s an additional opportunity for our number 18 to show off, who in addition to his two assists, made 57 touches, completed 81% of his passes and had his shot on target this Thursday. Bravo Taki! 🇯🇵