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Japan U-21 soccer team named for Aichi/Nagoya Asian Games
The Japan Football Association announced a 23‑man squad for the men's U‑21 football tournament at the 2026 Asian Games, to be held in Aichi and Nagoya from 19 September to 4 October. The team, coached by Daigo Oiwa, will compete in Group A against Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong, aiming for the first title since the nation’s 2010 victory.
The roster includes 16 J‑League players, three university players and four overseas‑based youngsters: defender Rion Ichihara (AZ, Netherlands), defender Keita Kosugi (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), midfielder Nelson Ishiwata (Sint‑Truiden, Belgium) and forward Nwadike Uchebrian (Allbo, Denmark). No over‑age players were selected. Oiwa, who will also take over as senior national team head in March 2027, emphasized the goal of developing the age group and securing a home‑soil title.
The squad’s launch also referenced recent events, with Oiwa noting the recent Kumamoto earthquake and reaffirming his commitment to lead the team through the Asian Games and future international competitions.
Entities
2026 Asian Games · Aichi/Nagoya · Asian Games 2023 (Aichi‑Nagoya) · Daigo Oiwa · Gou Oiwa · Japan Football Association · Japan U-21 national football team · Japan U‑21 national soccer team · Japan national football team · Keita Kosugi · Nelson Ishiwata · Rion Ichihara
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Coach Gou Oiwa will become senior national team head coach in March 2027 and this tournament is his first public appearance as U‑21 coach after his appointment.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The squad comprises 16 J‑League players, three university players and four overseas players. news.cube-soft.jp
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Japan Football Association announced a 23‑player U‑21 squad for the 2026 Asian Games. www.footballchannel.jp · news.cube-soft.jp
- [● 3 SOURCES] The squad includes four overseas‑based players: defender Rion Ichihara (AZ, Netherlands), defender Keita Kosugi (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), midfielder Nelson Ishiwatari (Sint‑Truiden, Belgium) and news.cube-soft.jp
- [● 2 SOURCES] No over‑age players were selected for the squad. news.cube-soft.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The youngest player in the squad is 18‑year‑old Araki Rui. news.cube-soft.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Japan’s opening match at the Asian Games is against Hong Kong on September 16, 2026. news.cube-soft.jp
- [● 2 SOURCES] Japan will play in Group A with Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong at the Asian Games. news.cube-soft.jp