All you need to know about Japan's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Japan became the first team outside of the three hosts to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their win against Bahrain in the AFC qualifiers back in March.

They have always been an entertaining team to watch, especially on the World Cup stage, and have a reputation for pulling off upsets on the biggest stage.

They topped their group in the 2022 edition of the tournament, defeating both Spain and Germany. In the Round of 16, they were knocked out by 2018 finalists Croatia on penalties.

The Samurai Blue will once again be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this time with a renewed sense of belief and motivation to finally break their Round of 16 curse.

They will not be short of top talent from Europe, along with the stability of long-serving manager Hajime Moriyasu, so let’s take a look at the possible squad that could travel to the USA, Canada, and Mexico for the competition in 2026.

  • (C)Kenichi Arai

    Goalkeepers

    Japan are well-covered in the goalkeeping department with the young Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki being the leading contender to start betweent he sticks for the Samurai Blue. Suzuki has been a regular in the starting XI since Shuici Gonda's retirement in 2022.

    Keisuke Osako and Kosei Tani who currently play in the J1 Leagueare expected to serve as the backup goalkeepers.

    Player Club
    Zion Suzuki Parma
    Keisuke Osako Sanfrecce Hiroshima
    Kosei Tani Machida Zelvia

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    Defenders

    The Japanese squad is expected to travel with a relatively inexperienced defense for the 2026 World Cup. Koki Machida has been impressive in the Belgian Pro League playing for Union SG, while a Bundesliga player who will be key in defence for Japan is Bayern Munich's Hiroki Ito. Although his first season with the Bavarians was affected by injuries, he is expected to return soon.

    Youngster Hiroki Sekine is another emerging talent who recently moved to Reims in Ligue 1 and has delivered solid performances. He also made his debut for the national team in 2025.

    Junnosuke Suzuki and Kota Takai are also interesting options who could find their way into Hajime Moriyasu’s squad. The question remains: will they be able to deliver on the grandest stage of them all?

    Player Club
    Koki Machida Union SG
    Hiroki Sekine Reims
    Junnosuke Suzuki Shonan Bellmare
    Kota Takai Kawasaki Frontale
    Ayumu Seko Grasshopper
    Tsuyoshi Watanabe Gent
    Hiroki Ito Bayern Munich
    Ko Itakura Monchengladbach
    Saiya Maikuma AZ Alkmaar
    Yukinari Sugawara Southampton
    Daiki Hashioka Slavia Praha
    Keigo Tsunemoto Basel
    Shuto Nakano Hiroshima
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    Midfielders

    Unlike in the defensive region, Japan are well stacked with experience in the midfield region. Liverpool star Wataru Endo has been one of the most influential players in the Japanese midfielder with over 70 caps for the Samurai Blue.

    Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada is another player who would have a important role in Japan's campagin at the 2026 World Cup. Yuito Suzuki who recently joined SC Freiburg will also have a decisive role to play.

    Other talented youngsters like Ryunosuke Sato, Kaishu Sano and Kodai Sano could also get chances under Moryasu. As it stands, Japan's midfield is well-balacned with a mixture of experienced players and young upcoming talents.

    Player Club
    Wataru Endo Liverpool
    Daichi Kamada Crystal Palace
    Yuito Suzuki SC Freiburg
    Koki Kumasaka Kashiwa Reysol
    Kaishu Sano Mainz
    Joel Fujita Sint-Truiden
    Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen
    Ryoya Morishita Legia Warsaw
    Kota Tawaratsumida FC Tokyo
    Ryunosuke Sato Fagiano Okayama
    Ao Tanaka Leeds United
    Hidemasa Morita Sporting CP
    Reo Hatate Celtic

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    Attackers

    The Japanese squad has a number of solid options in defense and midfield, but it is in attack where they are the most dangerous. The likes of Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad and Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton are among the most lethal wingers in Europe, capable of making a difference on their own. Their pace is another key weapon that Moriyasu could use to exploit opposition defenses.

    In addition to the two wingers, forward Keito Nakamura has also been in fine form for the national team. Since making his debut in 2023, Nakamura has consistently found the back of the net for the Asian side.

    Player Club
    Keito Nakamura Reims
    Takefusa Kubo Real Sociedad
    Kaoru Mitoma Brighton
    Shunsuke Mito Sparta Rotterdam
    Shuto Machino Holstein Kiel
    Yuki Ohashi Blackburn Rovers
    Yu Hirakawa Bristol City
    Mao Hosoya Kashiwa Reysol
    Ritsu Doan SC Freiburg
    Ayase Ueda Feyenoord
    Isa Sakamoto Westerlo