Asia's six heavyweight football nations have locked in their 26-player squads ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final team lists, submitted by the June 1 deadline, feature established stars, rising talents, and at least one seismic omission that has dominated headlines across the continent.
Japan: Mitoma Out, Nagatomo Makes History
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu named his squad on May 15, confirming that Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma has been ruled out of the tournament through injury — a significant blow to a side expected to advance from Group F. Captain Wataru Endo of Liverpool anchors the midfield alongside Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) and Ao Tanaka (Leeds United), while Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) and Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt) provide attacking width.
At 39, left-back Yuto Nagatomo becomes the oldest Japanese player to feature at a World Cup, selected for his fifth tournament in what will be his farewell appearance on football's biggest stage.
South Korea: Son Leads Experienced Squad
South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo announced his final 26 on May 16, with captain Son Heung-min — now at LAFC after his Tottenham departure — leading a squad rich in European experience. Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae forms the defensive cornerstone, while PSG playmaker Lee Kang-in and Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan offer creative firepower in Group A.
Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland) and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) retain their places after strong European campaigns. Defender Cho Yu-min was forced to withdraw injured and was replaced by Cho Wi-je.
Iran: Azmoun Dropped in Stunning Decision
The biggest selection shock across Asia came from Iran, where head coach Amir Ghalenoei dropped AS Roma forward Sardar Azmoun from the final squad announced on June 1. Reuters confirmed the decision, which removes Iran's most recognisable attacking name from a Group G campaign that includes fixtures against formidable opponents.
Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos) now shoulders the attacking burden, supported by Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Dender), Saman Ghoddos (Kalba), and Dennis Eckert (Standard Liege). Captain Ehsan Hajsafi, 36, brings experience to the midfield.
Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar Complete Asian Contingent
Australia coach Tony Popovic submitted his squad on May 31, with captain Mathew Ryan (Levante) and towering defender Harry Souttar (Leicester City) anchoring the Socceroos' Group D campaign. Watford's 20-year-old winger Nestory Irankunda is among the tournament's youngest players and a potential breakout star.
Saudi Arabia, under Greek manager Georgios Donis, named a squad dominated by Al-Hilal players — seven in total — with captain Salem Al-Dawsari leading the Green Falcons into Group H. Saud Abdulhamid, currently at French club Lens, is the only Saudi player based in a European top-five league.
Qatar, managed by Spaniard Julen Lopetegui, will rely heavily on the Al-Sadd core of Akram Afif — the 2019 Asian Player of the Year — Almoez Ali, and captain Hassan Al-Haydos as they navigate Group B.
Asia's Full Representation
A total of nine Asian Football Confederation nations qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament: Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Each has named the maximum 26 players permitted under FIFA regulations.
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and is the first edition to feature 48 teams across 12 groups of four.
Sources: FIFA.com, AFC, Korea Football Association, Football Australia, Reuters, SAFF, QFA
