Japans World Cup 2026 Squad Preview Released by National Football Association

Japan’s National Team Seeks to Build Momentum Ahead of World Cup

Since 2022, Japan has defeated Germany, Brazil, England, and Spain in international matches. However, it remains uncertain whether they can sustain a genuine title push throughout the tournament.

The Samurai Blue have consistently participated in the World Cup since their inaugural appearance in 1998. Their current team is considered one of the most talented in the national side’s history. Japan was the first non-hosting team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and has been successful in recent friendlies, including a 1-0 win over England.

The team will face Netherlands on June 14, followed by matches against Tunisia on June 20 and Sweden on June 25. Star player Kaoru Mitoma will miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury sustained during a friendly match earlier this month. Takefusa Kubo, who has impressed in La Liga with Real Sociedad, is expected to fill the void left by Mitoma.

Japan’s team boasts an elite squad, with players such as Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, and Ao Tanaka providing versatility and creativity. However, the lack of a dominant out-and-out striker may hinder their attack at times. The team will also face the psychological challenge of overcoming past last 16 exits.

Japan is expected to qualify from Group F, with their opening match against Netherlands likely to be the most challenging test. The team’s recent wins have sent a statement about their intentions, and they are eager to build momentum ahead of the tournament.

Source: Al Jazeera