News Focus
- Six Bundesliga stars will represent Japan at the 2026 World Cup finals in North America.
- Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito headlines the German-based contingent.
- The Samurai Blue face Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in a challenging group stage.
- Coach Hajime Moriyasu blends European experience with home-based talent.
Japan’s coach has selected half a dozen footballers from Germany’s top flight for the upcoming World Cup tournament. The Asian giants will count on this Bundesliga experience when they battle European opponents in the group phase.
Bayern Munich centre-back Hiroki Ito joins Werder Bremen full-back Yukinari Sugawara in the defensive unit. Eintracht Frankfurt winger Ritsu Doan and Mainz 05 midfielder Kaishu Sano provide creativity. SC Freiburg attacker Yuito Suzuki and VfL Wolfsburg striker Kento Shiogai complete the German sextet.
The squad lists present a tough challenge for the Samurai Blue. They will open against the Netherlands before meeting Sweden and Tunisia. These fixtures will test Japan against different styles from Western Europe and North Africa.
Beyond Germany, the squad features talent from major leagues across the continent. Liverpool captain Wataru Endo anchors the midfield. Real Sociedad playmaker Takefusa Kubo and Celtic forward Daizen Maeda add attacking threat.
The goalkeeping department includes Zion Suzuki of Italian side Parma. Domestic-based keepers Keisuke Osako and Tomoki Hayakawa provide cover. In defence, Ajax pair Ko Itakura and Takehiro Tomiyasu offer solid options.
Japan aim to build on their strong showing at Qatar 2022. The team reached the knockout stages in the previous tournament. They hope to advance even further in North America next year.