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Japan's 26-man squad prediction for the 2026 World Cup: Can they go beyond the quarter-finals?

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Key Takeaways

  • Goalkeepers : Eiji Kawashima (widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world), Shuichi Gonda, Keito Nakamura
  • Defenders : Maya Yoshida (reportedly in excellent form), Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Sakai, Yuto Nagatomo
  • Midfielders : Genki Haraguchi (has continued his impressive development), Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Wataru Endo
  • Forwards : Daichi Kamada (reportedly in excellent form), Takashi Inui, Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano
Japan's 26-man squad prediction for the 2026 World Cup: Can they go beyond the quarter-finals?
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📑 Contents (6)

Japan's predicted 26-man squad

Japan's manager, Hajime Moriyasu, has already announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Japan's best starting XI

Here is Japan's best starting XI for the 2026 World Cup :

  • Goalkeeper : Eiji Kawashima
  • Defenders : Maya Yoshida, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Sakai, Yuto Nagatomo
  • Midfielders : Genki Haraguchi, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Wataru Endo
  • Forwards : Daichi Kamada, Takashi Inui, Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano

Key players who will make or break their campaign

To succeed at the 2026 World Cup, Japan must :

  • Show a better defensive solidity
  • Create more scoring opportunities
  • Be more effective in the final third

Group stage analysis: Can Japan top their group?

Japan is in Group D of the 2026 World Cup, with Argentina, Mexico, and Tunisia.

Here are the possible results for Japan in this group :

  • Match 1 : Japan - Argentina (0-0)
  • Match 2 : Japan - Mexico (1-1)
  • Match 3 : Japan - Tunisia (2-0)
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Quarters and beyond: The realistic ceiling

If Japan reaches the quarter-finals, they will face one of the following teams :

  • France
  • Brésil
  • Angleterre

FAQ

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FAQ

The most important players for Japan at the 2026 World Cup are Eiji Kawashima, Maya Yoshida, Genki Haraguchi, and Daichi Kamada.
Japan's main objectives for the 2026 World Cup are to reach the quarter-finals and show a better defensive solidity.
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