Today, we announce that Yuto NAGATOMO and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, players belonging to our club, have been selected for the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) squad participating in the 'FIFA World Cup 26 Asia Final Qualifiers (Third Round)' to be held in June 2025, as announced by the Japan Football Association (JFA).

□Player Nagatomo's Comment
"First of all, I am proud to be able to fight as a member of the SAMURAI BLUE.

Qualification for the World Cup has been secured, but as we compete as the Japan national team, losing is not an option. With about a year remaining until the tournament, there are many things that both I and the team must accomplish.

To achieve our goals at next year's World Cup, we must be fully aware of what needs to be done, and with that in mind, we want to finish this Asian final qualifying round with solid victories.

Before joining up, there are two matches to conclude the first half of the league in Tokyo. First, as a member of Tokyo, I want to focus here, secure a solid win, and carry the momentum into the national team.

◇Player Nagatomo's profile is here



□Comment from player Tawara Tsukida

I am both surprised and delighted to have been selected as a member of the Japan national team.

This is my first time carrying the Hinomaru on my back, and I want to fight with responsibility and prove my dribbling skills, which are my weapon, on the Japan national team pitch.
We will put everything we have built up in Tokyo into action and deliver confident play to everyone.

Thank you for your support!

◇Player Tawara Tsukida's profile is here

□Schedule
Jun 1 (Sun), 2025 ～ Jun 10 (Tue), 2025 

・June 5 (Thu)

SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) vs Australia national team 
Kickoff at 20:10 Japan time
Perth Stadium

・Jun 10 (Tue)

SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) vs Indonesia national team 
Kickoff at 19:35
Suita City Soccer Stadium

*For more details, please check the JFA website.
【URL】http://www.jfa.jp/