World Cup 2026: Japan's 'Secret Weapon'

According to a VNA correspondent in Tokyo, Nagatomo has become an icon of Japanese football over the years. From the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, 2014 in Brazil, 2018 in Russia, to 2022 in Qatar, he has always been a key figure in the "Blue Samurai's" most memorable milestones. If he takes the field at the 2026 World Cup, Nagatomo will become the first Japanese player to appear in five consecutive World Cups—a rare achievement for Asian football.

However, since the Qatar campaign four years ago, Nagatomo has not been called up as frequently due to declining fitness and persistent injuries. Including the most recent friendly against Iceland, the defender has only played three matches for the "Blue Samurai."

Thus, it is clear that the former Inter Milan defender's selection for a fifth World Cup appearance is not primarily based on technical factors. Japan enters this tournament with high confidence after defeating football giants like Brazil and England in friendlies. However, the World Cup is a competition where psychological factors can determine success or failure in an instant. At such moments, Japan will undoubtedly need the experience and mental strength that Nagatomo can provide.

In training sessions with the national team, Nagatomo always appears with seemingly endless energy. He constantly shouts encouragement to his teammates, energizes the practice atmosphere, and acts as a bridge between different generations of players. The squad boasts many stars playing in Europe, such as Takefusa Kubo, Wataru Endo, and Zion Suzuki, but few have the real World Cup experience. Therefore, the current FC Tokyo defender is seen as the one who passes on competitive resilience, pressure tolerance, and fighting spirit to the younger players.

During the departure ceremony, the image that left a strong impression on Japanese fans was Nagatomo appearing with a white hachimaki headband printed with the national flag and the words "Fighting Spirit." He was the only team member to present such a determined and resolute image.

Turning 40 in a few months, the "old guard" is taking on a special mission: to be the torchbearer for the greatest ambition in Japanese football history.

And who knows, when the World Cup journey enters difficult moments, the "secret weapon" named Yuto Nagatomo may prove why coach Moriyasu has placed absolute trust in him to be on the flight to North America.