In a highly anticipated move, Japan national team coach Hajime Moriyasu has unveiled the 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant moment for the Samurai Blue as they prepare for their eighth consecutive appearance on the global stage. The announcement, made on May 15 in Tokyo, comes just weeks before the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While the list boasts a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents, it notably excludes star winger Kaoru Mitoma due to a recent hamstring injury sustained while playing for Brighton & Hove Albion. This omission has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts about how Japan will adapt without one of their most dynamic attackers.

The decision to name the squad early allows Moriyasu ample time to integrate the players during training camps and friendlies, fostering cohesion ahead of Group F clashes against the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden. Japan's recent form, including impressive friendly victories over Brazil and England, underscores their potential to surpass the round of 16 achieved in Qatar 2022, where they stunned powerhouses Germany and Spain before a penalty shootout exit to Croatia.

Coach Moriyasu's Selection Philosophy

Hajime Moriyasu, who has been at the helm since 2018, emphasized a team-first approach during the press conference. 'We win as a team, we get better as a team,' he stated, highlighting the depth in the squad despite high-profile absences. Moriyasu's tenure has been defined by bold tactical choices and a focus on high-pressing, fluid football that leverages Japan's technical prowess. His decision to include aging captain Yuto Nagatomo, set to become the first Asian male player to feature in five World Cups at age 39, reflects trust in leadership and experience.

The coach also addressed Mitoma's exclusion candidly: 'It would be difficult for him to return during the tournament.' Medical assessments confirmed the hamstring tear from the May 9 Premier League match against Wolves ruled out the 28-year-old, who had been instrumental in Japan's recent successes with his dribbling flair and goal-scoring threat. Similarly, Monaco's Takumi Minamino was sidelined by a December ACL rupture, and Sporting CP's Hidemasa Morita missed out despite strong club form.

Goalkeepers: A Solid Foundation

Japan's goalkeeping trio combines reliability with potential. Zion Suzuki (Parma) is the frontrunner, having earned 23 caps with his commanding presence in Serie A. At 23, he represents the future while delivering shot-stopping prowess. Backup Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) brings J.League consistency with 11 international appearances, known for his reflexes and distribution. Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers) rounds out the group as a third option, offering composure under pressure from his domestic experience.

This selection ensures versatility, with Suzuki's ball-playing ability suiting Moriyasu's build-from-the-back style. In recent qualifiers, Japan's defense conceded just four goals in 10 matches, a testament to their backline synergy supported by these keepers.

Defensive Lineup: Experience Meets Resilience

The backline features nine players, blending Premier League grit with European pedigree. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax) makes a welcome return after injury, his versatility across right-back and center-back positions adding tactical flexibility—42 caps underscore his importance. Ko Itakura (Ajax) partners him centrally, forming a robust duo familiar from club level with 39 appearances.

Veteran Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo) provides leadership at left-back, his 144 caps a national record. Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich) brings Bundesliga quality, while Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truiden), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre), and Junnosuke Suzuki (Copenhagen) offer depth and competition. This group has been pivotal in Japan's qualifying campaign, where they topped their group unbeaten.

The return of Tomiyasu is particularly noteworthy, as his aerial dominance and one-on-one defending could prove crucial against physical opponents like the Netherlands.

Midfield Engine: Balance and Creativity

Moriyasu's midfield is the squad's heartbeat, with Wataru Endo (Liverpool) anchoring as captain. The 33-year-old's tenacity in the Premier League engine room, paired with 72 caps, makes him indispensable for transitions. Flanking him are Junya Ito (Genk, 68 caps) and Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt, 64 caps), versatile wide men who contribute goals and assists.

Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace, 49 caps) adds technical finesse, while Ao Tanaka (Leeds, 37 caps) provides box-to-box energy. Emerging talents like Kaishu Sano (Mainz, 12 caps) and Keito Nakamura (Reims, 24 caps) inject youth and dynamism. This unit's pressing intensity overwhelmed Brazil in a recent friendly, showcasing their ability to disrupt elite midfields.

Attackers: Depth Without the Stars

Mitoma's absence leaves a void on the left, but Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad, 48 caps) steps up as the creative hub. The 24-year-old's vision and dribbling could unlock defenses. Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord, 38 caps) leads the line with his clinical finishing—25 Eredivisie goals this season highlight his threat.

Daizen Maeda (Celtic, 27 caps) offers pace and work rate, while Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen, 14 caps), Yuito Suzuki (Freiburg, 6 caps despite recent collarbone injury), Kento Shiogai (Wolfsburg, 1 cap), and Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truiden, 3 caps) provide options. Maeda's spectacular goals in qualifiers demonstrate the group's potential to compensate for missing stars.

Impact of Mitoma's Injury on Japan's Tactics

Kaoru Mitoma's exclusion is a seismic shift. The Brighton winger's 2025-26 season stats—dazzling dribbles, key assists—made him Japan's X-factor. Moriyasu must now pivot, potentially shifting Ito inside or deploying Doan on the left. Kubo's central role becomes pivotal, with Ueda as the focal point. Pre-tournament friendlies will test these adjustments, but Japan's qualifying dominance (unbeaten, topped AFC Group) suggests adaptability.

Kyodo News details the medical rationale, confirming no mid-tournament return for Mitoma.

Group F Fixtures and Path Forward

Japan opens against the Netherlands on June 14 at Dallas Stadium, followed by Tunisia (June 20, Monterrey) and Sweden (June 25). The Oranje's attacking flair poses the biggest test, but Japan's recent wins over European sides fuel optimism. Tunisia and Sweden are winnable, potentially securing an early knockout spot.

Advancing would pit them against Group E winners, with quarterfinal dreams realistic given FIFA ranking No. 18.

Key Player Spotlights

• Takefusa Kubo: 'Cubito' must channel his La Liga magic internationally, creating for Ueda.
• Ayase Ueda: Prolific striker whose movement exploits spaces.
• Wataru Endo: Captain's leadership vital in high-stakes games.
• Yuto Nagatomo: Historic fifth World Cup, mentoring young full-backs.

Fan Reactions and Expert Views

Social media erupted post-announcement, with #SamuraiBlue trending globally. Fans mourned Mitoma but rallied behind the squad: 'Depth wins tournaments!' Experts like those at Olympics.com praise Moriyasu's balance, predicting a last-16 minimum. Japanese media highlights Nagatomo's milestone and youth integration.

Japan's Road to Qualification

Japan secured qualification first among non-hosts, dominating AFC third round with 24 points from 10 games—eight wins, two draws. Standout results included 5-0 vs Bahrain, 4-0 vs Indonesia. Moriyasu's system evolved from defensive solidity to attacking flair, averaging 2.8 goals per qualifier.

Challenges and Solutions Ahead

Injuries test depth, but Moriyasu's rotations mitigate fatigue in the expanded 48-team format. Tactical drills focus on wide overloads without Mitoma, emphasizing Kubo-Ito synergy. Nutrition and recovery protocols, honed post-Qatar, ensure peak condition.

Predictions and Legacy Potential

Analysts forecast Japan topping Group F, eyeing quarters. Success could cement Moriyasu's legacy, inspiring a football-mad nation. With 70% possession averages in qualifiers and set-piece threats, the Samurai Blue are primed for history.

Photo by Alexander Smagin on Unsplash