Japan squad World Cup 2026: Which players have made it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

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. Now that the roster is officially confirmed, let’s take a look at the finalised squad traveling to the USA, Canada, and Mexico for the 2026 competition.

Goalkeepers

Japan are well-covered in the goalkeeping department, with Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki locked in as the leading contender to start between the sticks for the Samurai Blue. Suzuki has been a regular in the starting XI since Shuichi Gonda's retirement in 2022.

Joining him on the plane are Keisuke Osako and Tomoki Hayakawa. Both currently play in the J1 League and are expected to serve as reliable backup options, while Kosei Tani misses out on the final selection.

Defenders

The Japanese squad will travel with a wealth of top-level defensive experience for the 2026 World Cup. The headline inclusion is former Inter full-back Yuto Nagatomo, who will make history as the first Asian player to play in five different World Cups. Former Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu also makes the cut, adding essential top-tier pedigree to the backline.

Bayern Munich's Hiroki Ito will be another key figure in defence; although his first season with the Bavarians was affected by injuries, his return to fitness makes him a vital asset. Junnosuke Suzuki also remains an interesting option for Moriyasu to utilise on the grandest stage. A major blow to the selection is Hoffenheim's Koki Machida, who unluckily misses out on the final roster after suffering a devastating ACL injury earlier this season.

Midfielders

Japan's official midfield selection relies heavily on battle-tested experience. Liverpool star Wataru Endo remains one of the most influential players in the centre of the park, boasting over 70 caps for the Samurai Blue.

Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada is another experienced head who will have an important role in Japan's campaign, while Yuito Suzuki, who recently joined SC Freiburg, offers a decisive spark. Kaishu Sano also makes the squad to provide depth.

However, the midfield will have to cope without Sporting CP star Hidemasa Morita, who misses out entirely due to injury. Youngsters Ryunosuke Sato and Kodai Sano were also omitted from the final list, further cementing Moriyasu's preference for veteran leadership in the middle of the pitch.

Attackers

The Japanese squad has solid options in defense and midfield, but it is in attack where they are typically the most dangerous. However, Moriyasu's side has been dealt a massive double blow with star wingers Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino both ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Stepping up to the plate will be Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo, who remains one of the most lethal wingers in Europe and is capable of making a difference on his own. In addition to Kubo, forward Keito Nakamura will be crucial. Since making his debut in 2023, Nakamura has consistently found the back of the net for the Asian side, scoring 10 goals in 24 caps, and brings much-needed firepower to Moriyasu's front line.

Japan's star players

Despite the injury setbacks, Japan still possesses a lethal attack along with a balanced midfield and defense. Their main attacking threats up front will undoubtedly be Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura, with both players can be highly dangerous in the final third.

Ritsu Doan of Freiburg is another talented star in this Japanese side and has been a regular starter for the Blue Samurai.

In midfield, the experience of Wataru Endo and Daichi Kamada will be crucial in dictating the tempo of play for Japan, while the likes of Kaishu Sano and Yuito Suzuki could prove decisive with their attacking contributions.

In the backline, young Hiroki Ito could be an asset once he returns from injury, with the Bayern star primarily plays as a center-back but can also be deployed as a left-back.

Predicted Japan Starting XI for World Cup 2026

In goal for Japan, Zion Suzuki is the front-runner to start as the main goalkeeper. He has been impressive for Parma in Serie A and will have major responsibilities on his shoulders at the showpiece event.

Coach Moriyasu has regularly deployed a three-at-the-back system and is expected to continue with a similar setup at the World Cup. Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ko Itakura form a highly formidable defensive unit, with all three bringing reliability and composure to the backline.

The midfield four will be a strong asset for Japan, combining the experience of Wataru Endo with the creativity of Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka. Young Yuito Suzuki is also expected to make the cut.

Up front, Nakamura and Kubo will be Japan’s main attacking threats, lining up alongside Freiburg's Ritsu Doan.

Predicted Japan starting XI (3-4-3): Z. Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Ito, Itakura; Y. Suzuki, Endo, Tanaka, Kamada; Nakamura, Doan, Kubo