The Japan national team roster for the 2026 World Cup (kicking off June 11) will be announced on the 15th, with manager Hajime Moriyasu set to name 26 players. Four reporters from Sports Hochi, who will cover the tournament on-site, have made bold predictions on who makes the cut. Given the wave of injuries, this year’s forecast is especially tricky, but they aim to decipher Moriyasu’s strategy as he targets Japan’s first world title.
The prediction leans toward selecting seven center backs—a larger-than-usual number. While both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ko Itakura are key figures who have supported the Moriyasu Japan system, their fitness remains a concern. However, Moriyasu visited the Netherlands after the England tour, showing his close attention, which led the reporters to include them in their hypothetical 26-man squad. Along with Seiko who has delivered strong results over the past year, the team is willing to accept a slightly thinner forward line in favor of a seven-man center back group.
Captain Wataru Endo has yet to play since undergoing surgery on his left foot, but he could potentially return during the final stretch of the Premier League season, and if his form improves ahead of the tournament, he still has a chance. Midfield anchor Daichi Kamada, with the left shadow position thinning, may be considered for a 1.5-line role, while Hidemasa Morita, who impressed in the Champions League, also earns a spot.
Japan’s stated goal is “championship,” but to finally break through the round of 16—a barrier they’ve crashed into four times—they must first win two knockout matches. If they finish second in Group F, they are likely to face Group C’s top seed (likely Brazil) in the round of 32, making top spot in their group crucial. The question remains whether Moriyasu, with his squad built around ‘two to three teams’ worth of depth,’ can navigate the group stage with some rotation and finish above the Netherlands. This World Cup will truly test Japan’s strength.
