Key Takeaways:
- Takehiro Tomiyasu was named in Japan’s World Cup squad despite not featuring for the national team for nearly two years
- Kaoru Mitoma was omitted from the squad because of a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month against Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Japan are set to begin their Group F campaign against the Netherlands in Dallas on 14 June, followed by Tunisia and Sweden
Japan Announce 26-Man Squad Amid High-Profile Absences
Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu revealed the 26-man World Cup squad in Tokyo on Friday, confirming some notable inclusions and absences. Takehiro Tomiyasu, the former Arsenal defender now playing at Ajax following the mutual termination of his Arsenal contract last year, was brought back into the fold. He has not represented the ‘Samurai Blue’ in almost two years due to recurring injuries but last featured against Syria in 2024. Although he withdrew from the squad for the March international window, Moriyasu indicated Tomiyasu could feature against Iceland in Tokyo on 31 May.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: The Japan World Cup squad! 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/4VSux3Pn3X
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) May 15, 2026
Speaking to the media, coach Moriyasu said, “Although he has not appeared in official matches recently for tactical reasons, our medical staff have confirmed … that there are no issues with his condition,” further adding, “There is also the friendly against Iceland, which gives him another opportunity to prepare in a high-intensity match and continue raising his condition heading into the World Cup. That is why we selected him.”
Injury Concerns and Veteran Presence
The squad includes Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, who has endured a season hampered by injuries. Veteran full-back Yuto Nagatomo, aged 39, has also been included and is poised to attend his fifth World Cup. Moriyasu commented on Endo’s fitness: “He has begun working with the ball again … and is reaching a condition where he can play in matches. He is a central figure in this team. Of course I expect him to contribute in terms of play … but I also expect him to support the team mentally and emotionally.”
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma was excluded from the squad after sustaining a hamstring injury in a clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month. Moriyasu addressed Mitoma’s situation: “After Mitoma’s injury, we received a medical report saying that it would be difficult for him to return during the tournament itself,” he said. “Based on that, we gave up on selecting him .. Deciding how to adjust the squad after that was my biggest final consideration.”
World Cup Group Stage Fixtures
The Japanese national team will commence their eighth World Cup finals campaign with a Group F fixture against the Netherlands in Dallas on 14 June. Their group matches will continue against Tunisia on 20 June and Sweden on 25 June.
Japan’s World Cup Squad: Complete List
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Zion Suzuki, Tomoki Hayakawa, Keisuke Osako |
| Defenders | Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki |
| Midfielders/Forwards | Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Koki Ogawa, Daizen Maeda, Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda, Ao Tanaka, Keito Nakamura, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Yuito Suzuki, Kento Shiogai, Keisuke Goto |
Managerial Reflection and Historical Context
Japan reached the round of 16 at both of the last two World Cups, suffering defeats to Belgium in 2018 and to Croatia, on penalties, in Qatar four years ago. Moriyasu, who is heading into his second World Cup as national coach, admitted that choosing the final squad was a challenging process.
He told reporters, “There are still many players who have the ability to compete and win on the world stage for Japan. So I honestly feel apologetic about not being able to select them – actually, not just a little apologetic, but deeply apologetic. (But) I feel that I have chosen the best 26 players for Japan to win on the world stage right now.”
