Japan World Cup 2026 Squad: All 26 Players Named

On 15 May 2026, the Japan Football Association (JFA) named its 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Under head coach Hajime Moriyasu, the selection is built around Japan's large European-based contingent, balancing experienced leaders with emerging talent.

Below is every one of the 26 players, grouped by position, along with the main talking points. Each card links to the player's profile page for full biographical data (date of birth, club, height).

Key talking points

• Kaoru Mitoma misses out through injury. He hurt his left hamstring against Wolves on 9 May and was ruled out for the rest of Brighton's season. With recovery during the tournament deemed unlikely, Japan's key winger was left out.
• Takumi Minamino is also out injured — but will travel as a support member. Minamino ruptured the ACL in his left knee in the Coupe de France back in December and remains sidelined. He will not be fit to play, but at Moriyasu's request he is set to join the squad as a mentor.
• Takehiro Tomiyasu returns. Absent from the March camp due to fitness, he is back in the final squad and strengthens the defensive unit.
• Yuto Nagatomo earns a fifth straight World Cup call-up. The veteran brings vast international experience on and off the pitch.

Goalkeepers

Zion Suzuki goes into the tournament as Japan's first-choice keeper, combining his frame with strong distribution to start the build-up.

Defenders

Back from injury, Takehiro Tomiyasu's versatility across the back line is his biggest asset, adding stability to the defence.

Ko Itakura organises the back line and anchors it with his one-on-one defending.

Yuto Nagatomo is expected to be a unifying presence, the mentality built over a long international career mattering both on and off the pitch.

Midfielders

Wataru Endo is the team's anchor, controlling midfield through ball-winning and risk management.

Ritsu Doan links attack and defence with end product and a high work rate.

Forwards

Takefusa Kubo is the focal point of the attack, able to make the difference both out wide and through central combinations.

Ayase Ueda is the reference point up front, turning chances into goals inside the box.

Junya Ito brings pace and directness down the right, contributing both assists and goals.

Japan's 26-man squad

GK: Zion Suzuki / Keisuke Osako / Tomoki Hayakawa

DF: Takehiro Tomiyasu / Ko Itakura / Hiroki Ito / Shogo Taniguchi / Tsuyoshi Watanabe / Ayumu Seko / Yukinari Sugawara / Junnosuke Suzuki / Yuto Nagatomo

MF: Wataru Endo / Ritsu Doan / Daichi Kamada / Ao Tanaka / Kaishu Sano

FW: Takefusa Kubo / Ayase Ueda / Junya Ito / Daizen Maeda / Keito Nakamura / Koki Ogawa / Yuito Suzuki / Kento Shiogai / Keisuke Goto

Squad numbers are still to be confirmed.

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Related

• Where to Watch World Cup 2026
• Japan team page (latest squad)

FAQ

When did Japan announce its World Cup 2026 squad?

The Japan Football Association named its 26 players on 15 May 2026.

How many players were selected?

26 — three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and nine forwards.

Why were Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino left out?

Both through injury. Mitoma hurt his left hamstring in a league match on 9 May and was judged unlikely to recover during the tournament. Minamino is sidelined long-term with a ruptured ACL in his left knee, so he is not fit to play — though he is set to travel with the squad as a mentor.

Where can I check the latest player and fixture information?

On each player's profile page and the Japan team page. Subscribe to the calendar feed and the fixtures update automatically.