Ko Itakura
Player Profile
All-time FIFA World Cup appearances: 5
All-time FIFA World Cup goals: 0
FIFA World Cup 2026 appearances: 2
FIFA World Cup 2026 goals: 0
International appearances: 43
International goals: 3
International debut: 20 June 2019 vs Uruguay, Copa America 2019
Club: AFC Ajax (NED)
*data correct up to the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026
Following the withdrawal of Wataru Endo, a third high-profile injury absentee after Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma, former Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Ko Itakura has been named the Japanese captain by Hajime Moriyasu for FIFA World Cup 2026. Itakura spent time at Manchester City as a younger player before establishing himself at Gladbach between 2022 and 2025. He has spent the last season out on loan at Dutch giants Ajax and will be a crucial pillar at the back for the technically excellent Samurai Blue.
Japan Results
Japan Squad
Japan Group
| P | GD | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | +6 | 7 | |
| 2 | 3 | +4 | 5 | |
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | |
| 4 | 3 | -10 | 0 |
