Nadeshiko Japan Announces Squad for November Canada Match with Yui Hasegawa and WE-League Top Scorer Riho Yoshida
Table of Contents
Match Overview
Nadeshiko Japan, the Japanese women's national football team, has officially announced the squad for the upcoming MS&AD Cup 2025 against Canada on November 29, 2025. The match will take place at Nagasaki Stadium City (Peace Stadium), marking the first-ever national team match at this venue for both men and women.
This match is particularly significant as Japan prepares for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup in March. The November fixture serves as a final opportunity for coach Nils Nielsen to fine-tune his squad and evaluate the performance of both seasoned international players and rising domestic stars.
Squad List
The full squad announced by JFA includes a mix of overseas-based talent and top performers from Japan's WE-League. The selected squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers
Ayaka Yamashita (Manchester City, England)
Chika Hirao (Granada, Spain)
Akane Okuma (INAC Kobe)
Defenders
Saki Kumagai (London City, England)
Miya Morita (Angel City FC, USA)
Hikaru Kitagawa (Everton, England)
Yu Endo (West Ham, England)
Moeka Minami (Brighton, England)
Hana Takahashi (Urawa Reds, Japan)
Rion Ishikawa (Everton, England)
Uno Shiragaki (Cerezo Osaka, Japan)
Tako Koga (Tottenham, England)
Midfielders
Yui Narimiya (INAC Kobe)
Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City, England)
Narumi Miura (Washington Spirit, USA)
Fuka Nagano (Liverpool, England)
Shuno Nakajima (Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Japan)
Hinata Miyazawa (Manchester United, England)
Riho Yoshida (INAC Kobe) - WE-League top scorer
Aoba Fujino (Manchester City, England)
Maika Hamano (Chelsea, England)
Magokoro Matsukubo (North Carolina College, USA)
Momoko Tanikawa (Bayern, Germany)
Forwards
Minami Tanaka (Utah Royals, USA)
Takako Seike (Brighton, England)
Riko Ueki (West Ham, England)
Key Players to Watch
Yui Hasegawa anchors the midfield, bringing extensive international experience and exceptional game management. Her role in controlling the pace and linking defense to attack is crucial against a strong Canadian side ranked 9th in FIFA standings.
Riho Yoshida, the WE-League top scorer, is expected to be a decisive attacking force. Her speed, precision, and ability to exploit spaces behind defenders make her a key player in Japan's offensive strategy.
Saki Kumagai and Moeka Minami form the defensive backbone. Their leadership, aerial ability, and tackling are vital in containing Canada's physical and aggressive attacking style.
Tactical Insights
Coach Nils Nielsen is likely to implement a flexible 4-3-3 formation:
- Midfield control: Hasegawa, Nagano, and Miura orchestrate possession and tempo.
- Wide attacks: Miyazawa and Fujino provide pace and penetration along the flanks.
- Finishing power: Yoshida and Ueki are tasked with converting scoring opportunities.
The combination of seasoned international players and top domestic talents allows Japan to adjust dynamically against Canada’s physicality and technical style.
Training Match Follow-Up
In addition to the main match on November 29, a training match against Canada on December 2 will offer opportunities to test younger players and tactical variations. This extended schedule provides the coaching staff with additional insights ahead of major competitions like the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Conclusion
The announced squad demonstrates a blend of experienced overseas players and emerging domestic stars, marking a new stage in Nadeshiko Japan’s evolution. With key players such as Yui Hasegawa and Riho Yoshida leading the charge, the November Canada match is a crucial test of Japan's readiness for international competitions.
Fans can expect an exciting match, with the team showcasing both tactical discipline and attacking flair. The historical venue of Nagasaki Peace Stadium adds significance, making it a must-watch event for supporters of women's football in Japan and worldwide.
Comments
Post a Comment