Japan World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Hajime Moriyasu

Kaoru Mitoma left out injured

Brighton's star winger suffered an injury shortly before the announcement and Moriyasu said his return in time would be difficult. Mitoma is one of Japan's most exciting players — his ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create chances out of nothing is irreplaceable. A real blow. Japan will need Takefusa Kubo to shoulder even more responsibility in his absence.

Japan's eighth consecutive World Cup

Japan are making their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance — remarkable consistency for a nation that first qualified in 1998. For a country with no major professional league infrastructure in the 1980s, this is one of Asian football's greatest development stories. Moriyasu has been the architect of much of that consistency, building a side that is now genuinely feared on the international stage.

Wataru Endo captains the side

The Liverpool midfielder brings Premier League experience and leadership that runs through everything Japan do. His fitness had been monitored closely in the weeks before the squad announcement but he made the cut. Endo is not the most glamorous player in the squad but he might be the most important — the engine that lets everyone else express themselves.

Takefusa Kubo is the one to watch

Real Sociedad's 23-year-old is Japan's most technically gifted player. If Japan go deep in this tournament, Kubo is the player who will cause problems for anyone. He has pace, close control, an eye for goal and the ability to play off the left or through the middle. With Mitoma absent, the spotlight will fall entirely on Kubo. On the biggest stage of his career so far, this is his moment.

Group F: Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia

Japan are in Group F with Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. This is a group they can qualify from. They beat Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup — nobody should take them lightly. Sweden with Gyokeres and Isak are dangerous but Japan have the defensive discipline and attacking quality to progress. Moriyasu will have a detailed plan for every opponent.

Can Japan finally reach the quarter finals?

Japan have reached the Round of 16 at their last four World Cups but never gone further. Each time they get there they give a good account of themselves before going out. This squad has the quality, the experience, and the tactical organisation to finally change that. The question is whether the draw will be kind to them in the knockouts. If it is, this is the team to back for a quarterfinal run.

Who is in Japan's World Cup 2026 squad?

Hajime Moriyasu named a 26-man squad captained by Wataru Endo. The squad features Takefusa Kubo, Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) and Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord) among the notable names from European football.

Is Kaoru Mitoma in Japan's World Cup 2026 squad?

No. Kaoru Mitoma was left out due to injury. Moriyasu said his return in time would be difficult. The Brighton winger is one of Japan's most exciting players and his absence is a big blow to the Samurai Blue's attacking options.

Who is Japan's captain at World Cup 2026?

Wataru Endo is Japan's captain at the 2026 World Cup. The 31-year-old Liverpool midfielder leads the side and provides experience and defensive cover that allows Japan's more creative players to express themselves.

What group are Japan in at World Cup 2026?

Japan are in Group F alongside Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. Given their record of beating Germany and Spain in 2022, Japan are genuine contenders to qualify from this group and potentially go further.

Can Japan reach the quarter finals at World Cup 2026?

Japan have reached the Round of 16 at their last four World Cups without ever progressing further. This squad, built around Takefusa Kubo and a well-drilled defensive structure, has enough quality to finally break that barrier.

Who is Japan's best player at World Cup 2026?

Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad is Japan's standout creative talent. At 23, he is technically the best player in the squad and the one most likely to produce match-winning moments. Captain Wataru Endo of Liverpool is the leader.