SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) closed out their final home fixture before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a 1-0 victory over Iceland in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2026 “Together We Are Stronger”, played at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday 31 May.

With Japan’s World Cup opener in the United States just over two weeks away, head coach MORIYASU Hajime had spoken before the match about the importance of bringing the entire squad closer to full match fitness, suggesting that players with limited playing time and those returning from injury could be given opportunities. His starting line-up reflected that intention.

Japan lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. SUZUKI Zion (Parma Calcio 1913) started in goal behind a back three of TOMIYASU Takehiro (AFC Ajax), making his first international appearance since June 2024, YOSHIDA Maya (LA Galaxy), and ITAKURA Kou (AFC Ajax). In midfield, ENDO Wataru (Liverpool FC), making his return after an ankle injury and his first competitive appearance in around three and a half months, partnered TANAKA Ao (Leeds United) in the holding roles. NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims) and DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt) operated as wing-backs, while UEDA Ayase (Feyenoord) led the line ahead of attacking midfielders ITO Junya (KRC Genk) and KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad). Yoshida, called up specifically for this fixture, captained the side for the first time since the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

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日本サッカー協会（JFA）／日本代表／なでしこジャパン(@japanfootballassociation)がシェアした投稿

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