Attacking threat
Takefusa Kubo
Takefusa Kubo is one of the headline names carrying the biggest end-product burden for Japan.
Star players and roles
Midfield control
Kaoru Mitoma
Kaoru Mitoma gives Japan balance through the middle and sets the tempo when matches tighten up.
Defensive backbone
Wataru Endo
Wataru Endo anchors the spine of the side and helps define how secure Japan look without the ball.
Name & number printing
Get the Japan shirt with a player name
Amazon UK and Sports Direct both stock the Japan 2026 home shirt. Most sellers offer official name & number printing at checkout for around £10–£15 extra.
Shirt history snapshot
2018 · Adidas
Deep blue home with a woven sashiko-inspired pattern — one of the most design-led Japan kits ever.
2022 · Adidas
Rich blue home with an origami crane pattern across the chest — universally loved design.
2026 · Adidas
Current-cycle Japan home shirt for the 48-team World Cup.
FAQ
Who is in the Japan squad for the 2026 World Cup?
Japan's key names for the 2026 World Cup include Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo, with Hajime Moriyasu as head coach. Full 26-man squads are confirmed by federations in the days before the tournament — this page tracks the leading players and storylines.
Who is the Japan head coach at the 2026 World Cup?
Hajime Moriyasu leads Japan into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as confirmed in the Guardian's June 2026 squad guide.
Does this Japan squad page include shirt history as well as players?
Yes. The squad page also includes a short shirt-history section so readers can connect the current team to the wider World Cup kit story.