The Japan Football Association has announced its squad for the matches against North Korea ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers. These are the 26 players who will participate in two matches: one on March 21st at the National Stadium, and another on March 26th in Pyongyang.

The surprising news comes as 37-year-old player Yuto Nagatomo has been reselected. His return is likely a delightful surprise for many soccer fans. His experience and skills undoubtedly raise the bar for the entire team.

On the other hand, Junya Ito was not selected. While details of the situation have not been released, Coach Mori said, ‘We’re considering his performance and situation to protect him.’ Attention is being paid to how this decision will affect Ito himself and the overall team strategy in the qualifying matches.

These matches are a crucial step towards qualifying for the Japan national team. Both fans and players are looking forward to seeing how the national team will confront new challenges, and which players will take the leading roles.