Japan national football team has revealed its 27-player squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers Round 3 Matchday 3-4.
The Samurai Blue, led by head coach Hajime Moriyasu, will take on Saudi Arabia and Australia in critical matches scheduled between 10 and 15 October 2024.
Japan’s squad boasts a blend of international experience and top-level European talent. Among the notable inclusions are Wataru Endo, captain of the squad and midfielder for Liverpool FC, Kaoru Mitoma, a standout winger for Brighton & Hove Albion, and Takefusa Kubo, the in-form attacker for Real Sociedad. Also joining the ranks is Junya Ito, who continues his fine form with Stade de Reims, and Ritsu Doan, the versatile Freiburg winger.
Wataru Endo remains a crucial figure, offering leadership and defensive solidity, while Mitoma and Kubo provide creativity and goal-scoring potential. This mix of experienced veterans and emerging stars positions Japan as a formidable force heading into the qualifiers.
The squad also features fresh inclusions and players making their return after absences. Joruri Chima Fujita, who captained Japan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has earned his first senior call-up since the EAFF E-1 Football Championship in 2022. Fujita’s leadership skills and performances for Sint-Truidense VV have propelled him into the national team spotlight once again.
Another notable return is Ayumu Seko from Grasshopper Zurich, marking his first appearance since June 2023. Seko, a solid defender, adds depth to Japan’s backline. In the attacking department, Yuki Ohashi, a prolific striker for Blackburn Rovers, receives his first call-up after impressing in the Championship with a series of standout performances.
Full 27-Player Japan National Team Squad
Goalkeepers:
Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Zion Suzuki (Parma)
Kosei Tani (Machida Zelvia)
Defenders:
Yukinari Sugawara (Southampton)
Ko Itakura (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Koki Machida (Union St. Gilloise)
Ayumu Seko (Grasshopper Zurich)
Kota Takai (Kawasaki Frontale)
Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truidense VV)
Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo)
Henry Mochizuki (Machida Zelvia)
Midfielders:
Hidemasa Morita (Sporting CP)
Wataru Endo (Liverpool)
Joel Chima Fujita (Sint-Truidense VV)
Reo Hatate (Celtic FC)
Ao Tanaka (Leeds United)
Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace)
Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco)
Ritsu Doan (SC Freiburg)
Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Junya Ito (Stade de Reims)
Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims)
Forwards:
Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord)
Yuki Ohashi (Blackburn Rovers)
Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen)
Daizen Maeda (Celtic FC)
Several key players are missing due to injury, including Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi, and Stuttgart defender Hiroki Ito. The squad is also without Takumu Kawamura and Yuta Nakayama, further limiting Japan’s options in defense. Despite these absences, coach Moriyasu remains confident that the selected squad can deliver.
Japan faces two tough opponents in October. The first match is against Saudi Arabia on 10 October 2024 (11 October Japan time) at King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia. Five days later, the Samurai Blue return home to play against Australia at Saitama Stadium 2002 on 15 October 2024.
Credit Photo : JFA
