Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo, a former Inter player, was named to his country's squad for the 2026 tournament in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
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Yuto Nagatomo, 39, was selected Saturday to Japan's roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming one of the oldest players to earn a fifth consecutive World Cup call-up. The defender learned of his inclusion when Japan coach Moriyasu announced the 26-player squad, and Nagatomo wept openly upon hearing his name.
Video footage released by Tokyo FC, Nagatomo's current club, captured the moment he listened intently to the squad announcement on television before his expression shifted and he broke into tears of joy within seconds. The emotional reaction drew international attention, with the clip circulating widely across media outlets.
"I feel only enormous gratitude. It is an overwhelming emotion, I made it," Nagatomo said afterward to Tokyo FC's channels. "This is my fifth call-up, but I have never been this nervous before now."
Nagatomo described the emotion as "overwhelming" and spoke of a deep sense of gratitude. The defender spent seven seasons at Inter Milan from 2011 to 2018 and had a one-season stint at Cesena in 2010. He has represented Japan at four previous World Cups: South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in June. Nagatomo has been based in Japan for the past five years, playing for Tokyo FC.
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