Japanese Football– tag –

Keisuke Goto was named in Japan's 26-man World Cup 2026 squad, but his most realistic role is not as a first-choice starter. Here is what the 20-year-old Sint-Truiden forward has done in Belgium, why Hajime Moriyasu tested him against Scotland, and where he could matter most in tournament matches.

Kento Shiogai’s likely role for Japan at the 2026 World Cup is not as a guaranteed starter, but as a high-intensity forward who can press, run in behind, and change tight matches late.

Keito Nakamura’s importance to Japan is not just his position on the left. After an 11-goal Ligue 1 season with Stade de Reims, he looks like one of the few Japan attackers who can stretch defenses, attack behind, and finish moves himself at the 2026 World Cup.

Ao Tanaka’s likely role for Japan at the 2026 World Cup is not simply to add energy in midfield, but to stabilize games, absorb pressure, and connect Japan’s defensive and attacking phases with the control he showed at Leeds United.

Koki Ogawa’s place in Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad is about more than goals at NEC Nijmegen. His hold-up play, aerial threat, and tactical fit give Hajime Moriyasu a different kind of No. 9.

Daizen Maeda enters the 2026 World Cup as more than a pressing forward for Japan. His finishing numbers at Celtic and his proven defensive work make him a genuine tactical weapon on the left or at striker.

Junya Ito's role for Japan at the 2026 World Cup goes beyond right-wing pace. His biggest value is giving the team width, depth and a direct route forward when matches start to stall.

Junnosuke Suzuki made Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad because he offers more than depth at center-back. His ball progression at Shonan Bellmare and his expanded defensive role at FC Copenhagen gave Japan a flexible option on the left side of the back line.

Ayumu Seko is unlikely to enter Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad as a locked-in starter, but his value may be larger than that. After a first Ligue 1 season at Le Havre that included regular minutes at center-back and defensive midfield, he gives Hajime Moriyasu a rare tactical safety valve inside a 26-man squad.

Hiroki Ito's value to Japan goes beyond defending: his left foot, positional flexibility, and ability to reshape the back line could make him a key World Cup piece if he stays healthy.