As the final Asian qualifying round for the FIFA World Cup 2026 looms, the Japanese national football team has taken a significant step towards securing their place on the global stage. On September 3rd, all 27 players, including those returning from overseas leagues, gathered for a rigorous practice session in Saitama City, demonstrating their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Full Squad Assembles Ahead of Crucial Matches
The Japanese team is set to face China on September 5th in Saitama City and Bahrain on September 10th in what promises to be a critical phase of the qualifiers. With the stakes higher than ever, this training session marked the first time all squad members, including those playing abroad, practiced together.
Ito Junya, who hasn’t played for his country since the Asian Cup earlier this year, was one of the main players. Ito, who faced criminal charges of sexual assault but was not indicted due to insufficient evidence, rejoined his teammates with a determined mindset. The released video footage showed Ito running and stretching with a serious expression, signaling his commitment to the upcoming matches.
Key Players Return from Europe to Boost the Squad
Several players, including Doan Ritsu, who had just returned from European leagues, were seen actively engaging in drills, passing the ball, and calling out to each other as they sharpened their skills. The team’s chemistry and cohesion were evident as they worked together, ensuring that each player was in sync with the others.
Doan, reflecting on his return, said, “I’ve only just returned to Japan, so I’m still not feeling well, but we were all able to practice in a good atmosphere. I’m not aiming for ideals, and I don’t care what kind of goal I score, so I just want to focus on winning the first game.” His focus on winning over style underscores the team’s determination to secure victories in these crucial qualifiers.
Ito Junya’s Return: A Symbol of Resilience
Ito Junya’s return to the national team is particularly significant. Despite the challenges he faced off the field, his resolve to contribute to Japan’s World Cup campaign is unwavering. Ito mentioned that he has been watching matches and communicating with the team. Although it has been a while since he last played for the national team, he noted that the atmosphere within the team hasn’t changed much. He emphasized that this is the final qualifying round and expressed his desire to make a significant contribution.
His return brings not only experience but also a sense of resilience to the squad, as they prepare to face tough opponents in the final qualifying round.
Japan’s Road to the World Cup
As Japan gears up for the final leg of the Asian qualifiers, the entire nation watches with bated breath. The team’s unity, coupled with the return of key players from overseas leagues, has bolstered their chances of advancing to the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
The upcoming matches against China as well as Bahrain are crucial. Japan’s performance in these games will set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers, and the team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation. The players’ dedication, as seen in their intense training session, reflects their commitment to making their nation proud on the world stage.
As the final countdown to the first match begins, fans and football enthusiasts alike are eager to see how the Japanese national team will perform. With all 27 players ready and motivated, Japan’s World Cup dream is very much alive.
