Belgium vs Japan: World Cup head-to-head record
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Belgium hold the edge over Japan in World Cup history, with one win and one draw from their two meetings (1930–2022). Japan have never beaten Belgium at a FIFA World Cup. Their encounters span two very different contexts: a group-stage thriller in 2002 and one of the greatest Round of 16 comebacks ever seen, in 2018.
The head-to-head record reads: Played 2, Belgium won 1, Drawn 1, Japan won 0. Goals scored: Belgium 5, Japan 4.
All-Time World Cup Head-to-Head Summary
Across their two World Cup clashes, Belgium have demonstrated resilience and quality at the crucial moments. Japan, for their part, have twice pushed Belgium to the limit — scoring four goals in total — but have ultimately come away without a win. The aggregate scoreline of 5-4 in Belgium's favour underlines just how competitive these fixtures have been.
Match-by-Match Record
Below is every World Cup meeting between Belgium and Japan:
| Year | Stage | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Group Stage (Matchday 1) | Japan 2–2 Belgium |
| 2018 | Round of 16 | Belgium 3–2 Japan |
Match Context
The 2002 encounter took place on home soil for Japan during the jointly-hosted Korea/Japan World Cup, making the draw a celebrated result for the host nation. The 2018 clash in Russia is remembered as one of the tournament's most dramatic matches: Japan led 2-0 before Belgium scored three times — including a decisive counter-attack goal in the 94th minute — to advance. Supporters heading into any future meeting can track live scores and the full 2026 schedule at Bola 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Have Japan ever beaten Belgium at the World Cup?
No. Japan have never beaten Belgium in a World Cup match. Their two meetings resulted in one draw (2-2 in 2002) and one Belgium victory (3-2 in 2018), giving Belgium the superior head-to-head record.
What happened in the Belgium vs Japan 2018 World Cup match?
Belgium came from 2-0 down to beat Japan 3-2 in the Round of 16 in Russia. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup knockout history, with Belgium scoring the winning goal deep into stoppage time via a rapid counter-attack.
When did Japan and Belgium first meet at the World Cup?
Japan and Belgium first met at the 2002 World Cup, played in Japan and South Korea. The Matchday 1 group-stage game ended 2-2, a result that was celebrated as a strong start for co-hosts Japan.