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 Asian 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 will be competing 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 need to accomplish.

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

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 happy to have been selected as a member of the Japan national team.

This is my first time wearing 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've built up in Tokyo into our play and deliver a confident performance 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 (Perth Stadium)

・Jun 10 (Tue)

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

※Please check the JFA website for details.
【URL】http://www.jfa.jp/