Japan brings in former VVV player Maya Yoshida as a support player in the selection - doubts surrounding Endo's fitness

Dutch opponent Japan has still called on Maya Yoshida. The 37-year-old former defender of VVV-Venlo joins as a so-called support player, Japanese media report, due to persistent doubts about the fitness of captain Wataru Endo (33) after the practice match against Iceland on May 31.

As a support player, Yoshida trains with the selection, but he does not play in official matches. A player from the final selection may only be replaced in the event of a serious injury or illness, and only up to 24 hours before the first World Cup match. In addition, a replacement must be on the previously submitted reserve list.


Yuto Nagatomo (39) welcomes the arrival of his former colleague in defense. According to the veteran, Yoshida not only adds experience - having participated in three editions of both the Olympic Games and the World Cup - but also valuable knowledge of conditions in the United States.

Yoshida is under contract with LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer. Nagatomo sees this as an extra plus: the defender is familiar with factors such as time difference, heat and local conditions, which can help Japan in the tournament run-up.

Japan will meet the Dutch, Tunisia and Sweden in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. For the Dutch national team, the arrival of the experienced Yoshida means that the Japanese training team will be strengthened with extra routine and knowledge of the playing country, although he is not allowed to play during the matches.