MONTERREY, Mexico — Keito Nakamura scored Japan’s first equalizer in a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the Samurai Blue’s 2026 World Cup opener, according to the report.
Injuries and late withdrawals altered Japan’s original plans: Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma were not included in the squad, and captain Wataru Endo withdrew at the last minute. That reshuffle gave Nakamura — who started just four of 10 matches in the third round of Asian qualifying — a larger role than he might otherwise have had, the report said.
Nakamura is the only Japan squad member playing in a second-tier league, representing Reims in France’s Ligue 2, and has already been linked with potential moves after his display against the Dutch, according to the report.
On the field, Nakamura’s style stands out. The 25-year-old’s look — including a hairband and socks rolled down around the ankle — matches an approach built on dribbling and directness. He repeatedly takes on opponents, can go both inside and outside and often plays on the left to cut onto his right foot and drive into the area, as he did versus the Netherlands. Coach Hajime Moriyasu appears to have given him latitude to express himself so long as he fulfills his team duties, the report said.
Deployed as a wing-back in Mitoma’s absence, Nakamura’s defensive traits were exposed at times against the Netherlands, and teammates have been required to provide cover. With playmaker Takefusa Kubo injured in the previous game and reports suggesting he could miss Saturday’s meeting with Tunisia or more of the group stage, Moriyasu faces further changes. Nakamura is a candidate to move into one of the No. 10 roles, though the report said Ritsu Dōan is more likely to start with Yukinari Sugawara shifting into the right wing-back slot. Either way, Nakamura has moved from a fringe option to an increasingly influential figure in Japan’s squad.
