TOKYO: Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu named a 26-member squad on Tuesday for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Former Barcelona youth star Takefusa Kubo and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma were among the 26 players named as Japan prepare to take on Germany, Spain and Costa Rica in a tough Group E.
Japan have appeared at the past six World Cups.
“We’ve got a great group of players and supporters and I’m looking forward to taking them to the World Cup in Qatar,” said Moriyasu.
Former Southampton defender Maya Yoshida will captain the side in his third World Cup while left-back Yuto Nagatomo and goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima have been named in their fourth finals squads.
Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Daichi Kamada and Monaco’s Takumi Minamino have also been included in a squad that contains just six domestic-based players.
Striker Yuya Osako missed out after appearing at the previous two World Cups, while Celtic pair Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate were also omitted. Kou Itakura was picked despite the defender not having played for Borussia Monchengladbach since he suffered a knee injury in September.
Moriyasu said Japan were aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time, after being eliminated in the round of 16 three times.
“It’s not an easy target but if our supporters are all behind us, I’m sure we can achieve it,” he said.
