Atsuto Uchida, former Japan national team defender, expressed his admiration for Yuto Nagatomo, who is on the verge of a historic fifth consecutive World Cup appearance. “Just making it to the tournament once is an amazing feat,” Uchida remarked. “I have very high expectations for him. He truly embodies the spirit of all Japan.”
Nagatomo, who has been a staple of the Samurai Blue defense for over a decade, is on the cusp of achieving what no Japanese player has done before: appearing in five World Cups. The current campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which features a new expanded format, sees Nagatomo still battling for a spot under head coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Uchida, who represented Japan in three World Cups himself, knows the sacrifices required. “Nagatomo’s dedication is extraordinary. He brings not just skill but also the collective will of the nation onto the pitch. I’m truly looking forward to seeing him play if he makes the squad.” The 38-year-old full-back recently recovered from injury and returned to action after a nine-game absence, showing resilience that has defined his career.
The final squad for the World Cup is expected to be announced on May 15, and Nagatomo’s name is widely anticipated. As Moriyasu watched from the stands during a recent match, Nagatomo delivered a performance that he said “conveyed his soul” to the coach. “I believe the message has been sent,” Nagatomo said. “Now I just have to trust and wait.”
