FIFA World Cup 2026: In-form Japan eyeing best-ever run – All players, full squad list, key stats and schedule

Since making their debut at France 1998, Japan have not missed a FIFA World Cup.

They were the first non-host nation to book their spot in North America this summer, comfortably qualifying for their eighth consecutive finals by winning their Asian qualifying group.

Last time out at Qatar 2022, Japan impressed by beating international football powerhouses Germany and Spain to top their group, before taking Croatia to penalties in the Round of 16.

This time around, they face the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia and arrive at the tournament full of confidence, having beaten England in a friendly at Wembley in March.

Here is everything you need to know about Japan.

• FIFA World Cup: All teams, squads and players – complete list
• Who are the big stars missing from the FIFA World Cup?

Quick facts

• Captain: Endo Wataru 
• Manager: Moriyasu Hajime
• World Cup appearances (including 2026): 8
• Best World Cup result: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Japan’s full squad

Goalkeepers: Hayakawa Tomoki, Suzuki Zion, Osako Keisuke

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

Midfielders & forwards: Kamada Daichi, Sano Kaishu, Tanaka Ao, Endo Wataru, Nakamura Keito, Doan Ritsu, Ito Junya, Kubo Takefusa, Suzuki Yuito, Ueda Ayase, Ogawa Koki, Maeda Daizen, Shiogai Kento, Goto Keisuke

Who are Japan’s stars to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Japan are captained by midfielder Endo Wataru, who starred in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart and now plies his trade in the Premier League with Liverpool.

Injured Brighton wing Mitoma Kaoru was left out while 39-year-old full-back Nagatomo Yuto is headed to his fifth consecutive World Cup.

Other Japanese stars in England’s top flight include Leeds United midfielder Tanaka Ao and Crystal Palace midfielder Kamada Daichi.

Feyenoord striker Ueda Ayase is another of the team’s goal threats, while Ajax’s former Arsenal defender Tomiyasu Takehiro offers defensive solidity.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Japan’s group stage schedule

All times in Pacific Time (PDT)

• 14 June, 13:00 PDT – Netherlands vs Japan – Arlington, Texas (USA)
• 20 June, 21:00 PDT – Tunisia vs Japan – Guadalupe (MEX)
• 25 June, 16:00 PDT – Japan vs Sweden – Arlington, Texas (USA)

READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fifa-world-cup-2026-japan-players-squad-list-key-stats-schedule