Former Japan captain Maya Yoshida has been added to the national team's World Cup support staff, according to Kyodo News.
Yoshida’s experience shapes preparation
The 37‑year‑old centre‑back, who last represented Japan in a friendly against Iceland, will travel with the squad to a pre‑tournament camp in Monterrey, where the team is working to adjust to the local heat.
Although he was omitted from the final 26‑player roster, Yoshida’s familiarity with playing in North America is expected to provide valuable insight as the Samurai Blue fine‑tune their tactics.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu emphasized that the veteran’s presence will help bridge the gap between the squad’s domestic experience and the conditions they will face abroad.
The training camp follows a series of sessions in which Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo missed practice for two consecutive days, while Le Havre forward Ayumu Seko sat out a simulated match.
Japan’s football governing body, the Japan Football Association, confirmed the arrangements and said the team will continue to refine its strategy before moving on to the tournament venues in Canada and the United States.
The upcoming World Cup will be staged across three nations, with matches scheduled in cities ranging from Monterrey to Vancouver and beyond.