Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: ‘Giant Killer’ Samurai Blue Looks to Break New Ground

Asian heavyweight Japan has discreetly built up a reputation as a ‘giant killer’ since the last World Cup in Qatar.

Placed in the ‘group of death’ with Germany and Spain, the Japanese contingent stunned both countries before bowing out in the round of 16 – a hurdle the island country has yet to overcome.

Since that heartbreak, Japan has again defeated Germany and, more recently, Brazil and England in international friendlies, underscoring its reputation on the world stage. The Japanese were the first, apart from the hosts, to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, losing just seven points out of a possible 48 in the qualifiers.

However, head coach Hajime Moriyasu will not have European players such as Kaoru Mitoma or Takumi Minamino at his disposal, both of whom are injured. But Ritsu Doan, Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo, who have all had respectable seasons at their clubs, look capable alternatives, while the defense will be buoyed by the inclusion of Yuto Nagatomo, who is on his way to a fifth World Cup.

Meanwhile, Wataru Endo, who has started just one league match for Liverpool this season, is likely to don the captain’s armband and could be the controlling figure in a team that relies on moving the ball quickly to get around physically imposing teams.

Player to watch out for: Takefusa Kubo

Takefusa Kubo, dubbed the ‘Japanese Messi’ from a young age, has always had to carry a burden of expectations on his shoulders. And this World Cup offers him the perfect opportunity to make good on those claims, especially after a successful season in which he helped his club Real Sociedad win the Copa del Rey title.

Manager

Hajime Moriyasu has been in charge of Japan since the 2018 World Cup and despite not winning any major honours, he has helped Japan maintain their status as one of, if not the best, teams in Asia. His dual role as coach of the Under-23 men’s team from 2017 to 2021 has helped identify a young but experienced crop of players who are not just traveling to compete, but instead taking on the heavyweights.

Full team

• Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa, Keisuke Osako, Zion Suzuki

• Defenders: Ko Itakura, Hiroki Ito, Yuto Nagatomo, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki, Shogo Taniguchi, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Tsuyoshi Watanabe

• Midfielders: Ritsu Doan, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Takefusa Kubo, Keito Nakamura, Kaishu Sano, Ao Tanaka

• Forwards: Keisuke Goto, Daizen Maeda, Koki Ogawa, Kento Shiogai, Yuito Suzuki, Ayase Ueda

Published on June 8, 2026