Japan have officially unveiled their SAMURAI BLUE squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with European-based stars such as Wataru Endo, Takefusa Kubo and Takehiro Tomiyasu leading the nation’s campaign in North America.
The squad announcement was made by the Japan Football Association through its official X account ahead of the tournament and the upcoming Kirin Challenge Cup 2026 clash against Iceland on May 31 in Tokyo.
Japan head into the World Cup with a squad filled with talent from Europe’s top leagues, including players from Liverpool FC, Bayern Munich, Ajax and Real Sociedad.
Veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo also returns to provide experience alongside younger names such as Daizen Maeda, Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda.
Japan have been drawn into Group F, where they will open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on June 15 at Dallas Stadium in the United States.
They will then face Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico on June 21 before returning to Dallas for their final group match against Sweden on June 26.
The squad also includes Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada, Celtic forward Daizen Maeda and Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka as Japan look to make another deep run on football’s biggest stage.
