Japan's 2022 World Cup Squad: Full Player List

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 47 views

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a thrilling tournament, and Japan's national team, affectionately known as the Samurai Blue, certainly made their mark. Getting to know the players who represented Japan on this global stage allows fans to connect more deeply with the team's journey. This article dives into the complete list of players who were selected to represent Japan in the 2022 World Cup, offering insights into their roles and contributions.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeepers are the last line of defense, and Japan's selection showed a blend of experience and potential. Let's check out who was guarding the net for the Samurai Blue:

Eiji Kawashima: A veteran presence, Kawashima brought a wealth of experience to the squad. His leadership in the dressing room and ability to mentor younger players were invaluable. While he may not have been the first-choice keeper, his experience from previous World Cups was a calming influence. Kawashima's career includes stints in Belgium, Scotland, and France, making him a well-traveled and respected figure in Japanese football. He acted as a mentor and provided depth to the goalkeeping position.
Shuichi Gonda: Gonda was the primary choice for Japan in the tournament. His shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area were crucial. Gonda's journey to becoming the first-choice goalkeeper involved perseverance and dedication. He previously played in Europe, gaining valuable experience, and has been a consistent performer in the J-League. Gonda's reflexes and decision-making were key to Japan's defensive stability. He made several crucial saves throughout the tournament, solidifying his position as the team's preferred goalkeeper.
Daniel Schmidt: Schmidt offered a solid backup option with his imposing size and agility. His presence in the squad provided depth and competition for the starting role. Schmidt's international experience, combined with his performances in the Belgian league, made him a reliable option. He's known for his reach and ability to command his area effectively. Although he didn't feature prominently in the tournament, his inclusion highlighted the depth of talent in Japanese goalkeeping.

Defenders

The defensive unit is crucial for any team aiming for success in the World Cup. Japan's defenders in 2022 were a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, all committed to protecting their goal. Here's a look at the players who formed Japan's defensive wall:

Yuto Nagatomo: Nagatomo is a true legend of Japanese football. His experience and versatility were essential for the team. Having played in multiple World Cups and for clubs like Inter Milan, Nagatomo brought invaluable leadership to the squad. His tireless running and commitment to both defense and attack made him a key player. Beyond his on-field contributions, Nagatomo's infectious energy and positive attitude were a boost to team morale.
Maya Yoshida: As captain, Yoshida led the team with his experience and composure. His organizational skills and ability to read the game were vital in keeping the defense compact. Yoshida has had a long and successful career in Europe, playing in the Netherlands, England, and Italy. His experience against top-level opposition was crucial in guiding the younger defenders. Yoshida's leadership both on and off the field was instrumental in Japan's World Cup campaign. His calm presence and tactical awareness were essential for Japan's defensive solidity.
Hiroki Sakai: Sakai's strength and tenacity made him a reliable presence in the backline. His ability to win duels and contribute to attacking plays added balance to the team. Sakai has played in both Germany and France, gaining experience against some of the world's best attackers. His physical presence and work rate made him a formidable opponent. Sakai's versatility allowed him to play in multiple defensive positions, providing flexibility to the team's tactical setup.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: Tomiyasu's versatility and aerial ability made him a valuable asset. His composure on the ball and ability to play in multiple positions across the defense made him a key player. Playing for Arsenal in the Premier League, Tomiyasu brought a high level of quality and experience. His defensive awareness and ability to play out from the back were essential for Japan's build-up play. Tomiyasu's presence in the team added a sense of security and stability to the defensive unit.
Ko Itakura: Itakura's composure and passing range made him a modern defender. His ability to play both as a center-back and defensive midfielder provided tactical flexibility. Itakura's experience in Germany helped him develop his game, and he became a reliable presence in the squad. His ability to read the game and intercept passes was crucial in breaking up opposition attacks. Itakura's versatility and composure made him a valuable asset for Japan.
Yuta Nakayama: Nakayama added depth to the defensive options with his versatility and commitment. Although he didn't feature prominently, his inclusion in the squad highlighted his potential. Nakayama's performances in the Dutch league earned him a place in the national team. His ability to play as a left-back or center-back provided cover in multiple positions. Nakayama's dedication and work ethic made him a valuable member of the squad, even if he didn't see significant playing time.
Shogo Taniguchi: Taniguchi's experience and leadership qualities made him a valuable member of the squad. His inclusion provided depth and stability to the defensive options. Taniguchi's performances in the J-League earned him a call-up to the national team. His ability to organize the defense and make crucial interceptions made him a reliable option. Taniguchi's experience and leadership were essential for maintaining team morale and defensive solidity.

Midfielders

The midfield is the engine room of any football team. Japan's midfield in the 2022 World Cup was a dynamic blend of creativity, energy, and tactical discipline. These players were responsible for dictating the tempo of the game, winning back possession, and providing the link between defense and attack. Let's check them out:

Wataru Endo: Endo is the midfield linchpin, providing defensive stability and leadership. His ability to win tackles, intercept passes, and shield the defense was crucial. Endo's performances in the Bundesliga established him as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league. His leadership qualities and tactical awareness made him an indispensable part of the team. Endo's work rate and commitment were essential for Japan's defensive solidity and midfield control.
Hidemasa Morita: Morita's energy and passing range made him a dynamic presence in midfield. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively added balance to the team. Morita's performances in Portugal earned him a place in the national team. His versatility and work rate made him a valuable asset in midfield. Morita's ability to break up plays and launch attacks made him a key player in Japan's midfield.
Daichi Kamada: Kamada is known for his creativity and eye for goal. His ability to unlock defenses with his passing and dribbling was crucial. Kamada's performances in the Europa League showcased his talent and potential. His versatility and attacking threat made him a key player in Japan's attacking setup. Kamada's ability to create chances and score goals made him a dangerous player for any opponent.
Ao Tanaka: Tanaka's discipline and tactical awareness made him a reliable presence in midfield. His ability to read the game and break up plays was crucial. Tanaka's performances in the J-League earned him a call-up to the national team. His versatility and work rate made him a valuable asset in midfield. Tanaka's ability to maintain possession and control the tempo of the game was essential for Japan's midfield stability.
Takefusa Kubo: Kubo is a young prodigy with exceptional dribbling and passing skills. His ability to create chances and beat defenders made him a constant threat. Kubo's experience playing in La Liga has helped him develop his game. His creativity and flair added a spark to Japan's attacking play. Kubo's potential and talent made him one of the most exciting young players in the tournament.
Ritsu Doan: Doan's work rate and dribbling skills made him a valuable attacking option from midfield. His ability to take on defenders and create chances was crucial. Doan's experience playing in Europe has helped him develop his game. His versatility and attacking threat made him a key player in Japan's squad. Doan's energy and commitment made him a valuable asset both defensively and offensively.

Forwards

The forwards are the ones tasked with finding the back of the net and leading the attack. Japan's forward line in the 2022 World Cup was a mix of experience, pace, and clinical finishing. Here are the players who led the line for the Samurai Blue:

Takuma Asano: Asano's pace and direct running made him a threat to any defense. His ability to stretch the play and get behind defenders was crucial. Asano's experience playing in Europe has helped him develop his game. His speed and agility made him a valuable asset in Japan's attack. Asano's ability to create chances and score goals made him a dangerous player for any opponent.
Daizen Maeda: Maeda's relentless pressing and work rate made him a valuable asset. His ability to close down defenders and win back possession was crucial. Maeda's performances in the Scottish Premiership earned him a place in the national team. His energy and commitment made him a valuable asset both defensively and offensively. Maeda's work rate and determination made him a key player in Japan's attacking setup.
Ayase Ueda: Ueda is a rising star with a keen eye for goal. His ability to find space in the box and finish chances was crucial. Ueda's performances in the J-League earned him a call-up to the national team. His potential and talent made him one of the most exciting young players in the squad. Ueda's ability to score goals made him a valuable asset in Japan's attack.
Shuto Machino: Machino provided a different dimension to the attack with his height and physicality. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play was crucial. Machino's performances in the J-League earned him a call-up to the national team. His presence in the squad added a different option to Japan's attacking setup. Machino's physicality and aerial ability made him a valuable asset in certain situations.
Kaoru Mitoma: Mitoma's dribbling and creativity made him one of the most exciting players to watch. His ability to take on defenders and create chances was crucial. Mitoma's performances in the English Premier League made him popular. His creativity and flair added a spark to Japan's attacking play. Mitoma's potential and talent made him one of the most exciting young players in the tournament.

Coach

Hajime Moriyasu led the team, orchestrating tactics and making key decisions throughout the tournament. His leadership was crucial in guiding Japan through a challenging group stage and into the knockout rounds. Moriyasu's tactical flexibility and ability to motivate his players were key to Japan's success.

The 2022 World Cup squad represented a blend of experience and youth, with players from various leagues around the world coming together to represent Japan. Each player brought unique skills and qualities to the team, contributing to their memorable campaign. This list provides a comprehensive look at the individuals who proudly wore the Samurai Blue jersey on the world's biggest stage.