The Japan Football Association (JFA) has officially revealed the Samurai Blue squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup today, May 15, 2026. Coach Hajime Moriyasu named a strong, experience-rich team dominated by players based in top European leagues, setting high expectations for the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Goalkeepers
• Tomoki Hayakawa
• Keisuke Osako
• Aya Suzuki
Defenders
The defensive line is led by veteran Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), who is set to feature in his fifth World Cup at age 39. Other key defenders include:
• Shogo Taniguchi
• Ko Itakura
• Tsuyoshi Watanabe
• Takehiro Tomiyasu
• Hiroki Ito
• Ayumu Seko
• Yukinari Sugawara
• Junosuke Suzuki
Midfielders and Forwards
The squad blends established stars and emerging talents:
• Wataru Endo – Captain
• Junya Ito
• Daichi Kamada
• Koki Ogawa
• Daizen Maeda
• Ritsu Doan
• Ayase Ueda
• Ao Tanaka
• Keito Nakamura
• Kaishu Sano
• Takefusa Kubo
• Ito Suzuki
• Kento Shiode
• Keisuke Goto
Notable points include the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu and the absence of key players like Kaoru Mitoma due to injury. With 24 out of the squad playing overseas, Japan boasts significant European exposure.
Moriyasu’s men will look to build on their Round of 16 performance from Qatar 2022. Strong midfield control from Endo, creativity from Kubo and Doan, plus clinical finishing options give the Samurai Blue real attacking threat.
Japan will warm up with a friendly against Iceland on May 31 at Tokyo National Stadium before heading to North America. Placed in a competitive group, the team aims to make a deeper run and deliver Japan’s best-ever World Cup campaign.
Football fans across Asia and beyond are excited about this well-balanced squad that mixes leadership, speed, and quality.