For Yuto Nagatomo, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ marks the latest chapter in a story that began 16 years ago in South Africa. Japan have previously had four-time tournament veterans in the shape of Eiji Kawashima, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi and Seigo Narazaki – all goalkeepers – however, no player from the nation has ever appeared at five editions of the global finals.
That is a record which the 39-year-old is on course to set at the forthcoming tournament and stands as a testament to the veteran defender’s ability to overcome adversity. Indeed, the former Internazionale Milano defender found himself out of the Japan squad following Qatar 2022, with many suggesting he was too old for international football.
“After Qatar, if I’d told someone I was aiming for the next World Cup, there’s a good chance they’d have laughed at me,” he said.
In spite of this, his self-belief never wavered, and he is now set to play a part as Japan battle with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden in Group F at the North American showpiece, having been named in Hajime Moriyasu’s preliminary squad last week.
“I knew I could do it – I didn’t doubt myself for a moment. I’d honestly say that this conviction is what led me to where I am today.”
Nagatomo flirted with the idea of international retirement after Japan were eliminated from the 2022 tournament. However, watching the final between Argentina and France re-ignited the fire inside him.
“I just asked myself, ‘Why can’t I aim for that too? Am I really that weak?’ That’s when I made up my mind that I wanted to be there in a final.”
In the three and a half years since, Nagatomo has had to contend with fitness issues, including a right hamstring strain that ruled him out of his nation’s March internationals against Scotland and England. With the clock ticking, he worked his way back to full health and, at the eleventh hour, returned to action – proving he still has what it takes to compete on the pitch.
When announcing his preliminary squad, Japan head coach Moriyasu was full of praise for the FC Tokyo stalwart.
“It was important for me to confirm that he was still able to play at a high intensity out on the field,” Moriyasu explained, adding that he selected Nagatomo because, “his ability to perform in individual battles is up to World Cup standard”.
When asked how he felt at the moment of his historic call-up, the first word out of Nagatomo’s mouth was “gratitude”.
“I know I’ve appeared at four World Cups already, but I’ve never felt as nervous as I did right then.”
Having first featured at the tournament as a fresh-faced youngster in 2010, Nagatomo has since been battle-hardened by a storied career. His time playing in Italy, Türkiye and France provided triumphs and setbacks, and the five years since his return to the J.League hold a special place in Nagatomo’s heart.
“I’ve been through a lot, including my fair share of tough times. However, knowing there are so many people cheering me on and providing support has driven me forward and helped me get to where I am today.”
Those words reflect the genuine feelings of a footballer who refuses to give up, even as he ages and his status within the game changes. Five squad selections are more than just an entry in the record books, they are an achievement that speaks to a player who tirelessly hones his skills, challenges himself and who remains capable of reaching for higher honours. As for the man himself, his views on the tournament are straightforward.
“It’s the culmination of everything, isn’t it,” he says with a smile we have seen many times before.
“Right now, even I have no way of knowing how I’ll feel once all is said and done. For now, though, I consider this to be the point that all of my efforts have led me to.”
Nagatomo never puts limits on what he can achieve, and has reinvented himself time and again throughout his career. Now, he stands ready once again to represent Japan on the game’s grandest stage.
