Japan will hold a press conference on May 15 to announce the final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].
This selection is critical as the team nears the tournament start date. The final roster determines which players will represent the nation on the global stage, with a particular focus on managing current injuries to ensure a healthy squad.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu will detail the selection process during the event held in Japan [2]. The primary objective is to assemble a group of players in peak physical condition to maximize the team's competitiveness. The coaching staff has been monitoring the recovery status of several injured players to determine if they can be integrated into the final list [3].
Regarding the squad size, reports indicate the final registration will consist of 23 to 26 players [4]. This roster must include a minimum of three goalkeepers [4]. However, some provisional plans suggest a larger squad range of 35 to 55 players, which would require at least four goalkeepers [5].
Moriyasu previously indicated that the selection process would generally take place in early May [6]. The upcoming announcement serves as the final step in preparing the team for the tournament, which is now less than two months away [7].
Moriyasu said, "Basically, in early May" [6], referring to the timing of the selection process. Other reports said that the staff wants to choose 26 players in their best condition [3].
“Japan will hold a press conference on May 15 to announce the final squad”
The discrepancy in reported squad sizes, ranging from the standard 26-man roster to a provisional 55-man list, suggests potential fluidity in FIFA's registration rules or a tiered selection process. By delaying the final announcement until May 15, Moriyasu is maximizing the window for injured key players to return to match fitness, reducing the risk of selecting underperforming substitutes.
