🇯🇵 Japan Predicted Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
With a strong showing in the AFC qualifiers, Japan became one of the first teams to secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Samurai Blue, known for their discipline and tactical intelligence, will be looking to make a deep run this time.
🧴 Goalkeepers
Japan enters the tournament with a solid pool of goalkeepers. Zion Suzuki is the top contender for the starting spot, having consistently featured since 2022. Backups Keisuke Osako and Kosei Tani bring J1 League experience and depth.
- Zion Suzuki (Parma)
- Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
- Kosei Tani (Machida Zelvia)
🛡️ Defenders
Japan's defensive line features a mix of fresh faces and experienced names. Koki Machida and Hiroki Ito are central to the backline, while newcomers like Hiroki Sekine and Kota Takai could be exciting additions. This defensive unit is still developing but full of promise.
- Koki Machida (Union SG)
- Hiroki Sekine (Reims)
- Junnosuke Suzuki (Shonan Bellmare)
- Kota Takai (Kawasaki Frontale)
- Ayumu Seko (Grasshopper)
- Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Gent)
- Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich)
- Ko Itakura (Monchengladbach)
- Saiya Maikuma (AZ Alkmaar)
- Yukinari Sugawara (Southampton)
- Daiki Hashioka (Slavia Praha)
- Keigo Tsunemoto (Basel)
- Shuto Nakano (Hiroshima)
🎯 Midfielders
In midfield, Japan are well stacked. Veterans like Wataru Endo and Daichi Kamada provide leadership and quality, while up-and-coming stars such as Yuito Suzuki and Ryunosuke Sato ensure fresh energy and creativity. The balance in this group could be key to Japan's campaign.
- Wataru Endo (Liverpool)
- Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace)
- Yuito Suzuki (SC Freiburg)
- Koki Kumasaka (Kashiwa Reysol)
- Kaishu Sano (Mainz)
- Joel Fujita (Sint-Truiden)
- Kodai Sano (NEC Nijmegen)
- Ryoya Morishita (Legia Warsaw)
- Kota Tawaratsumida (FC Tokyo)
- Ryunosuke Sato (Fagiano Okayama)
- Ao Tanaka (Leeds United)
- Hidemasa Morita (Sporting CP)
- Reo Hatate (Celtic)
⚽ Forwards
Speed, technique, and versatility make Japan’s front line one of their most dangerous assets. With players like Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma on the wings, and Keito Nakamura up front, the Samurai Blue possess firepower that can unsettle any defense.
- Keito Nakamura (Reims)
- Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
- Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)
- Shunsuke Mito (Sparta Rotterdam)
- Shuto Machino (Holstein Kiel)
- Yuki Ohashi (Blackburn Rovers)
- Yu Hirakawa (Bristol City)
- Mao Hosoya (Kashiwa Reysol)
- Ritsu Doan (SC Freiburg)
- Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord)
- Isa Sakamoto (Westerlo)
Note: The final confirmed squad will be updated here following the official announcement by Japan Football Association officials.