Table of Contents
Takehiro Tomiyasu has officially returned to Japan’s national team after being named in the country’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu announced his 26-man squad in Tokyo on Friday, ending weeks of speculation surrounding several injury concerns ahead of the tournament.
Tomiyasu’s inclusion has become one of the biggest talking points after the defender spent almost two years away from international football due to recurring injuries.
Despite his recent struggles, Moriyasu believes the former Arsenal defender remains an important part of Japan’s plans for the tournament.
The defender, now playing for Ajax, earned his recall after medical staff reportedly confirmed he was physically ready to return.
Japan fans will now hope the experienced defender can strengthen the squad as the Samurai Blue target another deep World Cup run.
Read:Denmark World Cup Failure: Danish Soul-Searching Begins After Czech Republic Defeat
Why Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Return Matters for Japan
The return of Takehiro Tomiyasu could significantly improve Japan’s defensive stability heading into the World Cup.
Over the years, Tomiyasu has become one of Japan’s most dependable defenders due to his:
- Tactical awareness
- Positional intelligence
- Aerial strength
- Versatility across the backline
- Calmness under pressure
When fully fit, the defender offers Japan valuable flexibility because he can operate as:
- Centre-back
- Right-back
- Defensive fullback
- Ball-playing defender
Coach Hajime Moriyasu clearly values those qualities.
Even though Tomiyasu has not played consistently in recent months, the Japan manager believes his experience and defensive leadership remain extremely important.
Moriyasu confirmed that the team’s medical staff assessed the player carefully before his inclusion.
The coach also suggested upcoming friendly matches would help the defender regain competitive sharpness before the tournament begins.
Hajime Moriyasu Explains Tomiyasu Selection Decision
Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu defended his decision to include Tomiyasu despite the defender’s lengthy absence.
According to Moriyasu, medical evaluations showed the player was progressing well physically.
The coach explained that Tomiyasu’s recovery status gave the technical staff enough confidence to select him for the tournament squad.
Moriyasu reportedly said:
“There are no issues with his condition.”
That statement will likely reassure supporters worried about the defender’s fitness heading into the competition.
The Japan manager also pointed to the upcoming friendly against Iceland as an important opportunity for Tomiyasu to improve his condition further.
Preparatory matches often play a major role before international tournaments because they help players regain rhythm and match sharpness.
Japan’s coaching staff appear confident Tomiyasu can reach competitive form in time.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Difficult Injury Journey
The last two years have been challenging for Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The defender endured multiple injury setbacks during his time in England, limiting his appearances significantly.
Persistent physical problems affected:
- Match consistency
- International availability
- Club opportunities
- Training rhythm
- Long-term development
Eventually, Tomiyasu’s contract situation at Arsenal changed, leading to his move to Ajax following a mutual agreement.
Although injuries interrupted his progress, the defender remains highly respected within Japanese football.
His technical quality and defensive intelligence continue making him one of the country’s most trusted defenders when available.
The World Cup therefore represents an important opportunity for him to rebuild momentum at international level.
Wataru Endo Included Despite Injury Concerns
Another major talking point from Japan’s squad announcement involves Wataru Endo.
The Liverpool midfielder was also included despite enduring an injury-disrupted season.
Moriyasu described Endo as one of the team’s central figures both on and off the pitch.
According to the coach, Endo has already resumed ball training and is gradually improving physically.
His leadership qualities remain extremely valuable for Japan.
Moriyasu specifically highlighted Endo’s importance in:
- Team organisation
- Emotional leadership
- Midfield discipline
- Experience management
- Dressing room stability
Experienced players often become essential during World Cup tournaments because they help younger teammates handle pressure situations.
Japan clearly sees Endo as one of those key figures.
Kaoru Mitoma Ruled Out Through Injury
While Japan welcomed back Tomiyasu, the squad announcement also brought disappointing news regarding Kaoru Mitoma.
The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder failed to make the final squad due to a hamstring injury.
Mitoma reportedly suffered the injury earlier this month during a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Medical assessments later confirmed he would struggle to recover in time for the tournament.
Moriyasu admitted the decision was extremely difficult.
The absence of Mitoma represents a major setback because the winger has become one of Japan’s most dangerous attacking players in recent years.
His creativity, pace, and dribbling ability have troubled several top international opponents.
Replacing his attacking influence will now become one of Japan’s biggest tactical challenges.
Yuto Nagatomo Targets Historic Fifth World Cup
Another notable inclusion is veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo.
At 39 years old, Nagatomo could now participate in his fifth FIFA World Cup tournament.
That achievement would place him among Japan’s most experienced international footballers ever.
The fullback remains admired for his:
- Leadership
- Experience
- Fitness standards
- Tactical discipline
- Mental strength
Veteran players often provide important balance during major tournaments.
Although younger stars may dominate headlines, experienced professionals frequently help teams navigate difficult moments under pressure.
Nagatomo’s inclusion highlights Moriyasu’s preference for squad balance between youth and experience.
Japan’s World Cup Group and Fixtures
Japan will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Netherlands national football team in Dallas on June 14.
That opening fixture could play a crucial role in determining the group standings.
Japan will then face:
- Tunisia national football team on June 20
- Sweden national football team on June 25
Group F appears highly competitive.
Each opponent brings different tactical strengths:
Netherlands
Strong possession football and attacking quality.
Tunisia
Physical organisation and defensive discipline.
Sweden
Direct football and aerial strength.
Japan must therefore prepare for varying tactical challenges throughout the group stage.
Japan’s Recent World Cup History
Japan have consistently established themselves as one of Asia’s strongest football nations.
The Samurai Blue reached the Round of 16 in both:
- 2018 FIFA World Cup
- 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
In 2018, Japan suffered a dramatic defeat against Belgium national football team after leading during the match.
Four years later, they lost on penalties to Croatia national football team after another impressive tournament run.
Those performances increased expectations around the national team.
Supporters now hope Japan can finally break into the quarter-finals for the first time in history.
Hajime Moriyasu Faces Huge Expectations
This tournament will mark Hajime Moriyasu’s second World Cup as Japan coach.
The manager has received praise for improving Japan’s competitiveness against major football nations.
Under his leadership, Japan secured notable victories against several top international teams.
Moriyasu admitted selecting the final 26-man squad was emotionally difficult.
The coach explained that several talented players narrowly missed out despite possessing international-level quality.
According to him, competition for places remained extremely intense.
Still, Moriyasu insisted he selected the best available squad capable of competing globally.
Defensive Stability Could Decide Japan’s Tournament
One major reason Tomiyasu’s return matters so much involves Japan’s defensive structure.
International tournaments often depend heavily on defensive organisation.
Teams capable of remaining compact and disciplined usually perform strongly.
Tomiyasu’s presence may improve:
- Defensive communication
- Positional structure
- Ball progression
- Defensive transitions
- Tactical flexibility
If fully fit, he could become one of Japan’s most important players during the competition.
His experience in European football also provides valuable exposure against elite attackers.
That knowledge may help Japan handle difficult moments during high-pressure matches.
Read: Denmark World Cup Failure: Danish Soul-Searching Begins After Czech Republic Defeat
Can Japan Reach the Quarter-Finals?
Japan’s consistent progress over recent tournaments has raised expectations among supporters.
The team now possesses:
- European-based players
- Tactical maturity
- Greater international experience
- Improved squad depth
- Technical discipline
Several analysts believe this could become one of Japan’s strongest World Cup squads in recent years.
However, success will depend heavily on fitness.
Injuries to important players such as Kaoru Mitoma already create challenges.
Meanwhile, returning players like Tomiyasu and Endo must quickly regain full sharpness before the tournament begins.
Balancing those factors will be essential for Moriyasu’s squad.
Tomiyasu Could Inspire Japan’s Defensive Unit
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s comeback story may also inspire teammates emotionally.
Players returning from long injury absences often bring extra motivation into tournaments.
After nearly two years away from the national team, the defender now has an opportunity to prove himself again on football’s biggest stage.
Fans will hope his return strengthens team confidence.
If he performs well, Tomiyasu could become one of Japan’s most important figures during the competition.
Read: Denmark World Cup Failure: Danish Soul-Searching Begins After Czech Republic Defeat
FAQ Section
Why was Takehiro Tomiyasu selected for Japan’s World Cup squad?
Coach Hajime Moriyasu confirmed that medical staff cleared Tomiyasu physically and believes his experience will strengthen Japan defensively.
Which club does Takehiro Tomiyasu currently play for?
Takehiro Tomiyasu currently plays for Ajax after leaving Arsenal.
Why was Kaoru Mitoma left out of Japan’s squad?
Mitoma suffered a hamstring injury that reportedly ruled him out for the tournament.
How many World Cups has Yuto Nagatomo played in?
If selected for matches, the 2026 tournament will become Nagatomo’s fifth FIFA World Cup.
Who will Japan face in the World Cup group stage?
Japan will play the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden in Group F.
