The list just dropped. Honestly, if you've been following the Samurai Blue lately, you know the vibe is different. It’s not just about "showing up" anymore. Japan isn't that plucky underdog that surprises a giant once every four years. They are the giant now. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu recently finalized the latest japan soccer team roster, and it’s basically a directory of Europe’s top-flight leagues.
We’re talking about a squad that has already punched its ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Early. They made it look easy. But with the draw right around the corner and a Group F showdown against the Netherlands looming, the names on this list carry a lot of weight.
The Core: The Untouchables on the japan soccer team roster
You can't talk about this team without starting at the back. Or rather, the middle of the back. Wataru Endo is still the heartbeat. Even as he pushes into his 30s, the Liverpool man is the first name on the sheet. He’s the captain for a reason. He’s the guy who wins the ball when everything looks like it’s falling apart.
Then there's the star power.
Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma. These two are the reason fans in Tokyo stay up until 4:00 AM. Kubo is bossing it at Real Sociedad, and Mitoma is still out there making Premier League defenders look silly for Brighton. When they both start, Japan plays a brand of vertical, terrifyingly fast soccer that most teams can’t handle.
But it’s not all about the household names. Moriyasu has been tinkering. He’s been forced to, really, because of some nagging injuries in late 2025.
The Goalkeeper Situation
Is it Zion Suzuki's time? The Parma man has the physical tools that Japanese keepers usually lack. He’s huge. He’s vocal. But Keisuke Osako from Sanfrecce Hiroshima is still breathing down his neck. Moriyasu loves domestic loyalty, and Osako has been rock solid in the J.League. It's a toss-up, but Suzuki feels like the "big stage" pick for 2026.
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The Defensive Wall
- Ko Itakura (Borussia Monchengladbach): The leader of the line. High IQ, great on the ball.
- Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich): Versatility is his middle name. Left back? Center back? He does both at a world-class level.
- Yukinari Sugawara (Southampton): He’s become a crossing machine.
- Koki Machida (Union SG): He's been dealing with an injury lately, but when he's fit, he’s a mountain in the air.
Why this roster feels different
Remember the "Agony of Doha" in 1993? Moriyasu does. He was on the pitch. That trauma shaped Japanese soccer for decades, leading to a style that was technically beautiful but maybe a bit... soft?
Not anymore.
This japan soccer team roster is built on grit. You see it in guys like Ao Tanaka at Leeds United. He’s a engine. He’s not afraid to get stuck in. Same with Daichi Kamada at Crystal Palace. These guys are playing in the most physical leagues in the world every week. They don't get bullied.
And then there's the youth.
Keep an eye on Joel Chima Fujita. He’s been tearing it up with the U23s and has finally solidified his spot with the senior squad. He’s the successor to Endo. Maybe not today, but soon. And Yuito Suzuki from Brondby? The kid is a spark plug. He’s the type of player who comes on in the 70th minute and completely changes the geometry of the pitch.
The Striker Dilemma
If there’s one "weakness" people always point to, it’s the number nine spot. But Ayase Ueda has been silencing the critics. He was the top scorer in qualifying for a reason. He’s clinical at Feyenoord, and he’s finally brought that form to the national team. Behind him, you’ve got Koki Ogawa and the lightning-fast Daizen Maeda. Maeda doesn't just run; he hunts. Watching him press a goalkeeper is like watching a nature documentary.
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What Moriyasu is actually planning
Moriyasu isn't just picking the best 23 players. He's picking the best puzzle pieces.
He’s moved away from a rigid 4-2-3-1 and has been experimenting with a back three that looks more like a 3-4-3 or a 3-4-2-1 in possession. This allows Mitoma and Ritsu Doan (who is having a career year at Freiburg, by the way) to act as wing-backs or inverted wingers depending on the phase of play.
It’s complicated. It’s fluid. And it’s why Japan beat Spain and Germany in 2022.
But can they do it against the Netherlands in 2026? That’s the big question. The Dutch are tactically flexible too. Moriyasu knows he needs more than just speed; he needs composure. That’s why Takumi Minamino is still so vital. He might not have the raw pace of the younger kids, but his spatial awareness is elite. He finds pockets of air in a crowded box that others simply don't see.
Real talk: The omissions and surprises
People were shocked to see Yuto Nagatomo still hovering around the fringes. The man is 39. He’s a legend, sure, but in a squad this fast, does he fit? Moriyasu thinks so. He sees Nagatomo as the "glue." Every locker room needs a guy who has seen it all, and with 140+ caps, Nagatomo is that guy.
On the flip side, some younger talents like Ryunosuke Sato are just on the cusp. They’re the "emergency glass" players. If an injury hits the midfield in the next few months, Sato is likely the first call.
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The Road Ahead for the Samurai Blue
Japan is currently sitting at 18th in the FIFA rankings, but they’ve been as high as 9th. The goal isn't just the Round of 16 anymore. Moriyasu has openly stated he wants to win the whole thing.
Is that crazy?
Maybe. But when you look at the japan soccer team roster, you see players starting for Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Sociedad, and Brighton. This isn't a developmental squad. This is a "win now" squad.
The depth is actually the most impressive part. In the past, if a star player got hurt, Japan was in trouble. Now? If Mitoma is out, Keito Nakamura steps in—and Nakamura has a goal-per-game ratio that would make a striker jealous.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Wing-back Transition: Look for how Sugawara and Mitoma trade defensive responsibilities. It’s the key to their 2026 tactical identity.
- Monitor the Midfield Balance: If Tanaka and Endo start together, Japan is playing for a clean sheet. If Kamada drops deeper, they’re hunting for goals.
- Track the "European" Factor: Note how many players are in the "Big Five" leagues. As of January 2026, over 80% of the starting XI plays at the highest level in Europe.
The final roster for the summer will likely be settled by May, but this current iteration is the clearest blueprint we’ve ever had. It’s a mix of veteran calm and youthful chaos. If they can stay healthy, Japan isn't just a dark horse—they’re a legitimate contender.
Keep an eye on the friendly match schedules for March. That’s when Moriyasu usually gives the final "trial" to the fringe players before locking in his World Cup squad. If a name like Kyogo Furuhashi isn't back in the mix by then, his chances for the summer are basically zero.
The Samurai Blue are ready. The question is whether the rest of the world is ready for them.
Next Steps for Followers
- Check the JFA Official Site: The Japan Football Association (JFA.jp) updates the specific squad numbers and injury reports about two weeks before every international window.
- Follow individual club form: Keep a close eye on Takefusa Kubo’s minutes at Real Sociedad. His fitness is the single biggest factor in Japan’s offensive ceiling.
- Review the Group F Dynamics: Since Japan is grouped with the Netherlands and Tunisia, study how those teams handle high-press systems, as that’s exactly what Moriyasu will deploy.