Ex-FIFA referee stunned by Japan dressing room reveal at World Cup: 'It's just incredible'

Hajime Moriyasu and the Japan national team are setting an "incredible" example off the pitch during the 2026 World Cup.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that he's been impressed by the players and supporters during the competition.

Japan are well on their way to the knockout stages after a draw against the Netherlands and a 4-0 romping of Tunisia, with Sweden left to play.

It is a feel-good story that has caught the former FIFA referee's attention, however, with Japan, unsurprisingly, one of the most respectful teams at the tournament.

Whether it's cleaning up the stadium after a game, or the changing rooms being left spotless at full-time, the Samarai Blue are setting an example for the rest of the nations.

Cuaraco and Cape Verde are all trying to create history at the 2026 World Cup, but a special mention needs to be given to Japan and their actions off the pitch.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee has been incredibly impressed as new footage and images continue to emerge on social media.

"One of the things that stands out to me is the amazing thing about Japan. And it's got nothing to do with football," he said.

"It's nothing to do with football. It's about how they tidy the stadium up and how the players leave the dressing room. It's just incredible, isn't it?

"It's just the discipline that goes into that. Those are the little things in the World Cup that make this sort of mosaic of stories that make our game as good as it is."

This is certainly something that all teams at the World Cup can follow, and it explains why Japan are one of the most-liked nations at the tournament each time.

Ahead of their final game of the group stage against Sweden, Moriyasu's side are currently set to face Brazil in the round of 32.

And with the Netherlands facing Tunisia in their final game, all signs point towards Japan finishing second or third in Group F.

Finishing third would be no better, with Sweden set to face France in the round of 32, as it stands, but of course, Group I could still change drastically.

The Blue Samurai will feel confident against any opponent in the knockout stages, but whatever happens, it has been a pleasure to see their players and fans act so respectively.