Group E draws to a close on Thursday as Japan and Spain meet in a senior competitive match for the first time at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Japan will be keen to make amends for their shock defeat to Costa Rica in round two, which saw the opposition score with their only shot on target in Qatar so far, following a historic win over Germany to start the tournament.
The Samarai Blue will be in need of a win as a draw may prove to be insufficient in their aim to secure progression if Germany win the other game in Group E by two goals or more.
Spain's place in the round of 16 is near enough secured, having earned four points from defeating Costa Rica 7-0 and drawing 1-1 with Germany, but if Japan and Germany win with an nine-goal swing, Luis Enrique's side will be sent home.
An Asian nation has never defeated Spain in a World Cup finals in six attempts, with South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Iran losing four and drawing two between them. If Japan are able to cause an upset and progress from Group E, it will be a monumental occasion for Asian football.
Team news
Japan
Hajime Moriyasu will be able to call upon experienced right-back Hiroki Sakai and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who missed the defeat to Costa Rica, after the duo returned to training this week. Stuttgart's Wataru Endo is a doubt as he recovers from a knee injury.
Spain
Luis Enrique has a full squad at his disposal for this fixture, with Gavi available despite suffering a knock during their meeting with Germany on Sunday, and may stick with the same line-up bar the reintroduction of Álvaro Morata at the expense of Ferran Torres.
Likely lineups
Japan
Gonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Endo, Morita; Ito, Kamada, Minamino; Maeda.
Spain
Simón; Carvajal, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Asensio, Morata, Olmo.
Key players
Japan: Ritsu Doan
The Japanese national team are blessed with a number of technically gifted forwards, but Doan will be the one to keep an eye on.
Coming off the bench to score in the win against Germany, the 24-year-old was a bright spark with his direct dribbling and was a thorn in the side of Germany's defence as he cut inside onto his favoured left foot.
It didn't quite work out for the winger when he started against Costa Rica so he will be keen to cause another upset against European opposition, even if it's off the bench again.
Spain: Dani Olmo
An ever-present for Spain during the tournament so far, Dani Olmo has showcased why his name is highly thought of in Europe.
Operating on the left of Spain's front three, Olmo contributed to a goal and an assist in their win over Costa Rica last week, and has been difficult for defenders to content with due to his great close control in tight spaces and ball retention skills.
The 24-year-old has shown he can also be a threat from distance and was denied a brilliant goal by an even better save from Manuel Neuer, therefore Japan will need to keep a close eye on in him Al Rayyan.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan.
What time is kick-off?
The kick-off is at 19:00 (GMT) on Thursday, 1 December.
How can I watch it?
The game will be broadcasted on ITV 1 in the United Kingdom.