Japan's men's hockey squad is preparing for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, entering the tournament with a world ranking of 15th and a clear ambition to break into the top ten.
Qualifying in Ismailia
The team secured third place in the 2026 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier held in Ismailia, Egypt, after a series of decisive matches that showcased their resilience. A 5‑0 loss to England was followed by a 4‑0 victory over the United States and a 6‑3 win against Egypt, the latter producing a hat‑trick from forward Raiki Fujishima.
In the third‑place play‑off, Japan edged Malaysia 5‑4, with midfielder Koji Yamasaki netting two crucial goals that highlighted his role as one of the nation's most experienced scorers.
A Squad Steeped in Experience
The roster blends youthful talent with veterans such as defender Manabu Yamashita, full‑back Shota Yamada, midfielder Seren Tanaka and goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa, all of whom bring extensive international experience. Coach Yoshihiro Anai, who guided Japan to its first Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in 2024, believes the team can improve on its joint‑best World Cup finish of ninth place.
Anai’s vision includes leveraging the squad’s historic pedigree, which includes Olympic silver medals from 1932 and a series of strong performances across global tournaments. Key players to watch include Raiki Fujishima, whose recent hat‑trick demonstrated his scoring prowess, and Koji Yamasaki, who boasts 84 goals in 157 appearances for Japan.
Looking Ahead
The tournament is scheduled to begin on 15 August, featuring both men’s and women’s competitions, and will see Japan face a diverse field of opponents from traditional powerhouses to emerging nations. With a blend of tactical discipline, depth of experience and a hunger for historic achievement, Japan’s men aim to translate their recent successes into a breakthrough performance on the world stage.