Japan FIFA World Cup: Hajime Moriyasus Announce full team for Octobers friendlies
The Japan FIFA World Cup campaign continues to take shape with head coach Hajime Moriyasu naming his side for two important October friendlies. Japan breezed through qualifying, losing only once after already booking a place at the finals. Matches against South American opposition are expected to provide valuable experience and a platform to experiment before the 2026 tournament.
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The October roster features some notable absences. Kaoru Mitoma and Ao Tanaka are both missing from the squad. Mitoma sustained an injury while playing for Brighton against Chelsea, which has sidelined him from international duty. Tanaka, meanwhile, has been recovering from an MCL issue sustained before the September international window.
He has only managed ten minutes across Leeds’ last two Premier League fixtures, and Moriyasu has opted not to take any risks with his fitness. Familiar names remain at the core of the team. Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo is set to wear the captain’s armband during the friendlies. Takumi Minamino, who has been in strong form for Monaco, earns his place as well, linking up with his former Liverpool teammate.
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Queens Park Rangers’ Koki Saito also makes the list, receiving his first-ever senior call-up after completing a permanent move to the West London club following an impressive loan spell. Moriyasu is preparing for his second World Cup in North America after guiding Japan in Qatar. At the 2022 tournament, the Samurai Blue shocked Spain and Germany before bowing out in the Round of 16 against Croatia on penalties.
During his tenure, Moriyasu has managed 98 games, winning nearly 70% of them and losing just 17. This latest squad reflects a period of experimentation, with injuries allowing him to evaluate alternative options before the finals. Ritsu Doan, one of Japan’s standout performers in Qatar, is expected to play a big role again.

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He famously equalised against Germany just minutes after coming on, then repeated the feat against Spain, with both matches ending in memorable 2–1 victories. Now with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, Doan has begun the 2025/26 season brightly, contributing to five goals in as many league matches.
Football World Cup: Samurai Blue aims to showcase technical quality and team unity on the global stage
Alongside him, Zion Suzuki, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Shogo Taniguchi, Daichi Kamada, Junya Ito, Takefusa Kubo, Takumi Minamino, Wataru Endo, and Ayase Ueda headline the squad. Japan’s Samurai Blue is approaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 with growing confidence and determination. After consistent performances in recent competitions, the squad is determined to make an impact on football’s biggest stage.
Supporters are eager to see Japan display its technical ability, team unity, and tactical intelligence at the tournament. Expectations are high for a deep run. Coach Hajime Moriyasu has placed strong emphasis on intensive training sessions to prepare the side for the global stage.
The focus has been on improving defensive organisation, sharpening attacking patterns, and building collective chemistry. His goal is to ensure Japan can challenge the traditional football powerhouses when the competition begins. With several core players continuing to gain valuable experience across European leagues, Japan’s squad is becoming increasingly well-rounded and competitive.

Supporters across Asia and beyond are thrilled at the prospect of seeing Samurai Blue compete at the Football World Cup 2026. The tournament promises thrilling clashes and unforgettable moments, and Japan is ready to step onto the world stage with ambition and discipline.
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FAQs
1. Which players are missing from Japan’s October 2026 friendlies squad?
Two notable absences are Kaoru Mitoma and Ao Tanaka. Mitoma, who plays for Brighton in the Premier League, suffered an injury against Chelsea that ruled him out of action. Tanaka has been recovering from an MCL injury and has only managed limited minutes for Leeds United in recent weeks.
2. Who are the standout names included in Hajime Moriyasu’s squad?
The squad still features many of Japan’s most influential players. Liverpool’s Wataru Endo will captain the team, while Takumi Minamino returns in excellent form after strong performances for Monaco. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ritsu Doan, a key figure in Japan’s 2022 World Cup run, is also expected to play an important role.
3. Are there any new faces in the Japanese national team?
Yes, one of the most exciting inclusions is Koki Saito of Queens Park Rangers. The forward, who impressed during his loan spell before signing permanently with the London club, has received his first-ever senior call-up.
4. What are Japan’s goals for the October friendlies and beyond?
These matches serve as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. With injuries opening up opportunities, Moriyasu is using the games to evaluate alternative options and build squad depth. His focus is on improving defensive organisation, sharpening attacking movements, and fostering strong team chemistry.
5. How confident is Japan heading into the 2026 World Cup?
Confidence within the squad and among supporters is high. Many Japanese players are excelling in Europe’s top leagues, gaining valuable experience. Combined with Moriyasu’s proven track record, winning nearly 70% of his 98 matches in charge, Japan believes it can challenge traditional powerhouses and make history at the tournament.
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