Japan announces 21-player roster for U-20 Women's World Cup

The Japan Football Association has announced the 21-player roster for the U-20 Japan women's national football team, known as the Young Nadeshiko, ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland.

Head coach Akira Ijiri stated that the team's primary goal is to win the championship and reclaim the world title for the first time since 2018. The squad features several key players, including Mao Itamura, who recently joined Liverpool FC, and 17-year-old Mana Fukushima, the MVP of the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup. Other notable selections include Miharu Mashiro and Natsumi Tago.

Japan is placed in Group D for the tournament, which begins on September 5, 2026. The team is scheduled to face New Zealand, the United States, and Italy during the group stage.