According to Nikkan Sports, Keisuke Honda (39), who has appeared in the World Cup (W杯) three times as a member of the Japan national soccer team, was recently asked by reporters for his prediction for the winner of the North/Central American World Cup, which opens in June, and immediately replied, "My hope is Japan. It's the only choice."

He then added, "However, in terms of probability, I'd like to name France. The top scorer will be Mbappé (French national team forward)," and stated his belief that as long as Japan participates in the World Cup, the word "victory" should be spoken.

When Chinese sports media outlets such as Zhibo8 and Dongqiudi introduced Honda's remarks, Chinese soccer fans commented: "I agree with his thinking. If the Chinese national team can participate in the World Cup, it's natural to hope for victory, even if it's impossible," "I envy Japan, which can dream of winning," "China can't even stand on the World Cup stage," "I think France is the dominant force in this tournament," "The French national team seems likely to have internal conflicts again," and "I want to see a final between Portugal and Argentina. A clash between Ronaldo and Messi."

The Chinese national team's only World Cup appearance was in the 2002 tournament, when Japan and South Korea were exempted from Asian qualifiers as host nations. Even in this tournament, where the Asian quota for participation was expanded from 4.5 to 8.5, they were eliminated in the final (3rd round) of the Asian qualifiers and could not participate. (Translation/Editing by Yanagawa)