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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.
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.
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.
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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 الدوري الألماني 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 الدوري الفرنسي 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?
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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.
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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.
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Japan possess a lethal attack along with a balanced midfield and defense. Their main attacking threats up front will undoubtedly be Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo. Both players have exceptional dribbling skills and can be 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. The youngster primarily plays as a centre-back but can also be deployed as a left-back. Alongside Ito, Hiroki Sekine and Koki Machida are also solid defensive options.
In goal for Japan, Zion Suzuki is the front-runner to start as the main goalkeeper at the World Cup next year. 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 with Japan and is expected to continue with a similar setup at the World Cup. Hiroki Ito, Koki Machida, and Ko Itakura form a solid defensive unit, with all three being reliable and composed at the back.
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, Mitoma and Kubo will be Japan’s main attacking threats in front of goal, alongside Freiburg’s Ritsu Doan.
Predicted Japan starting XIu0026nbsp;(3-4-3): Z. Suzuki; Ito, Machida, Itakura; Y. Suzuki, Endo, Tanaka, Kamada; Mitoma, Doan, Kubo
