Japan's national team coach Hajime Moriyasu unveiled the 26‑player roster that will represent the country at the upcoming World Cup, a list that marks both continuity and change for the squad.
The most notable omission is winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has been sidelined by injury and therefore left out of the final list, while midfielder Takumi Minamino and experienced midfielder Hidemasa Morita also failed to make the cut.
Among the names that did earn a place are captain Wataru Endo, whose leadership will be a cornerstone, and veteran left‑back Yuto Nagatomo, alongside defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ko Itakura, both of whom have recovered from recent knocks to secure their spots.
A squad shaped by injury and experience
The defensive line also features Shogo Taniguchi, while the midfield and attack will be bolstered by players such as Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, and Daizen Maeda, giving the coach a blend of creativity and pace.
Japan will open its campaign against the Netherlands on June 14, a match that will set the tone for a tournament in which the team hopes to break past the round of 16 for the first time in its eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Beyond the opening fixture, the broader ambition is to translate early promise into a historic progression, leveraging the experience of veterans and the dynamism of emerging talents to achieve a milestone that has eluded the nation for decades.