Japan’s Rising Players To Watch in Next World Cup — Rising Stars in Football

Japan has become a powerhouse in Asian and world AW8. The Samurai Blue’s performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they defeated Germany and Spain in the group stage, made headlines across the globe. It demonstrated not only their ability to perform against the world’s best, but also their rich pool of young talent — players who will form the core of Japan’s future campaigns.

As we look forward to the next FIFA World Cup, slated for 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Japanese fans are excited about their country’s future. A new generation of players — a perfect blend of technical ability, creativity, discipline, and maturity — is blooming just at the right time. Here we will deep-dive into the most promising Japanese players who are expected to illuminate the world’s greatest stage.

🔹1. Takefusa Kubo — The Rising Jewel of Japanese Football

Takefusa Kubo, often called “the Japanese Messi” during his youth academy days at La Masia, has blossomed into a key actor for both Real Sociedad in La Liga and the Japan national team. His ability to cut in from the right side, combine quickly in tight spaces, and create scoring opportunities for teammates makes him a unique and decisive player.

As Kubo grows in maturity, we can expect him to become a leader on the pitch — someone who not only performs individually but also brings the best out of his teammates. His technical skills, close control, and explosive acceleration are attributes that will be crucial for Japan’s attack in the 2026 World Cup.

🔹2. Kaoru Mitoma — The Premier League Sensation

Kaoru Mitoma’s rise from the University of Tsukuba in Japan to the English Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. His dazzling dribbling, creativity on the left wing, and ability to take on defenders have made him a key piece at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Mitoma’s ability to break lines, combine with teammates, and produce moments of magic makes him a perfect match for modern football’s fast-paced, flexible style of attack. His form will be a decisive factor for the Samurai Blue’s future, adding a cutting edge to their forward movements.

🔹3. Ritsu Doan — Tactical Versatility and Goal-Scoring Ability

Ritsu Doan is a forward who brings a unique blend of creativity, discipline, and scoring prowess. His powerful left-foot shot, ability to cut inside, and strong understanding of space make him a key asset for both SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga and the Japanese national team.

Having scored against Germany and Spain in the 2022 World Cup, Doan already has a reputation for delivering when it matters most. His maturity and adaptability will be crucial for Japan’s future success.

🔹4. Hiroki Ito — The Rising Defensive Leader

Hiroki Ito, a center-back who plays for VfB Stuttgart, is quickly making a name for himself in European football. His ability to read the game, win aerial duels, and distribute accurately from the back makes him a perfect modern defender — strong, composed, and comfortable under pressure.

Ito’s defensive prowess will be a key to organizing Japan’s backline in future tournaments, adding stability and confidence at the back.

🔹5. Ko Itakura — Tactical Intelligence and Experience

Ko Itakura, currently plying his trade at Borussia Mönchengladbach, brings maturity, positional awareness, and adaptability to the Japanese defense. His ability to perform as a center-back or a defensive midfielder makes him a versatile asset in the team.

Itakura’s calmness under pressure and understanding of defensive structures will be crucial when Japan finds itself under siege against strong opposition. His European experience adds a valuable dimension to the Samurai Blue’s defensive discipline.

🔹6. Ayase Ueda — Rising Forward Talent to Watch

Ayase Ueda, a forward making waves at Feyenoord, is another key piece for Japan’s future attack. His finishing ability, movement in the box, and understanding of when to attack space makes him a potent scoring threat.

For a team that sometimes struggles to put away chances, having a forward who can find the net consistently is a huge asset. Ueda’s maturity and finishing prowess will be under the spotlight in the years to come.

🔹7. Daichi Kamada — Midfield Master and Tactical Link-up

Daichi Kamada is a sophisticated, technical midfielder who plays for Lazio in Serie A. His ability to connect the midfield and attack, find space between the lines, and score from range makes him a key component in the Japanese setup.

Kamada’s maturity and European experience will help him become a leader on the pitch, guiding younger players and adding creativity to the Japanese attack.

🔹 Japan’s Tactical Philosophy Heading Into 2026

The future of Japanese football lies in its ability to blend discipline and creativity. The Samurai Blue’s style under coach Hajime Moriyasu focuses on fast transitions, positional discipline, and a team-oriented approach. The young players we listed all embody these traits — technical prowess, adaptability, strong character, and a deep understanding of their roles.

This combination makes Japan a dark horse in future tournaments — a team that can shock powerhouses, navigate tough match situations, and produce moments of magic when it matters most.

🔹Conclusion — Why Japanese Rising Players Will Shape 2026 Success

The future for Japanese football is undeniably bright. A group of young players, already making their mark at European clubs, is poised to become the backbone of the national team.
With Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, Ritsu Doan, and Ayase Ueda adding creativity and scoring prowess, and defenders like Hiroki Ito and Ko Itakura adding maturity and stability, the Samurai Blue are well-equipped to challenge the world’s best in 2026.

This blend of talent, discipline, adaptability, and unity signals a new era for Japanese football — a future filled with hope, promises, and potential for historic achievements on the greatest stage of all.

Support the Samurai Blue’s journey to 2026!
Watch these young Japanese players grow, conquer, and illuminate world football with their unique style.
Together, we can celebrate their future success and be a part of their remarkable story in the years to come — because football is more than just a game; it’s a shared passion.

By summerdown