The Japan national football team has announced their squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to begin on June 12. Arguably the best player on the team, Kaoru Mitoma, sits out due to his ongoing struggle with a hamstring issue. The Brighton winger sustained the unfortunate injury during a Premier League win over Wolves last week. Despite his absence, the Samurai Blue has picked a balanced squad comprising both experienced players and young talents.
Japan, piloted by Hajime Moriyasu, will be keen for a knockout run as they share the World Cup group with giants like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. The Asian side will open their campaign with a difficult fixture against the Dutch in Texas on June 14.
How Important is Kaoru Mitoma for Japan National Football Team?
With eyes on the World Cup, Mitoma had an impressive season with Brighton. His numbers might be underwhelming, but the impact was undeniable as The Seaguls look promising to clinch a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Referring to Mitoma’s injury after the Japan squad announcement, Moriyasu said, “The medical team assessed that it would be difficult for him to get back to fitness during the tournament.”
Mitoma has scored nine goals in the national colours, including the famous winner against England at Wembley earlier in March. The 28-year-old winger also had a great contribution to Japan’s dream run in the World Cup 2022, where they upset Germany and Spain.
Experienced Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu Returns to Fold after 2 Years
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has played for Premier League side Arsenal in the past, has been called up for the World Cup as Moriyasu kept faith in his years-long experience at the big stage. He has remained out of the national set-up for two years due to prolonged injury issues.
Tomiyasu shifted his base to Ajax after leaving the Gunners in 2025. The 27-year-old central defender last featured in the Japan shirt in a match against Syria in 2024. He was part of the squad in the March international window but later withdrew.
Japan World Cup Squad 2026: Full List of Players
Two more Premier League stars– Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada and Liverpool’s Wataru Endo are among the 26 players, while Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo and FC Tokyo full-back Yuto Nagatomo have also been included. Wolfsburg’s Kento Shiogai, who made his Japan debut in a 1-0 win over Scotland in March, will feature in his first World Cup.
Check out Japan Full Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Defenders | Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki |
| Midfielders | Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Yuito Suzuki |
| Forwards | Daizen Maeda, Koki Ogawa, Ayase Ueda, Keito Nakamura, Kento Shiogai, Keisuke Goto |
