Japan calls up former captain Yoshida for World Cup send-off friendly

The Japan Football Association (JFA) on May 15 announced that former captain Maya Yoshida has been added to the squad for a friendly against Iceland on May 31 in Tokyo. The match will serve as a send-off for the Samurai Blue before they depart for the 2026 World Cup.

The 37-year-old center-back, who captained Japan for several years, was not included in the previously announced preliminary squad. His inclusion underscores the value of his experience, both tactically and as a morale booster, for the team heading into the major tournament.

The friendly against Iceland will be the final chance for Japan's head coach to test his lineup and also allow players like Yoshida to contribute one last time before the World Cup campaign officially begins.