On March 18, 2025, the Japan national football team convened for their training camp at Chiba Prefecture, focusing on the upcoming matches against Bahrain on March 20 and Saudi Arabia on March 25 as part of the final Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The team’s training session marked the second day of their domestic camp, with 27 selected players present, including midfielder Hidemasa Morita from Sporting CP, who is expected to play a pivotal role as Japan aims to secure their spot at the World Cup for the eighth consecutive time.
Morita, 29, recently returned from injury after being sidelined with calf issues since December 2024. He made his comeback on March 15, 2025, during a league match against Famalicao, where he expressed mixed feelings about his recovery, noting, "I've only been able to do two matches, and my condition hasn't returned to 100%." Despite this, he expressed optimism, stating, "I am glad I was able to return and want to prepare well until the end to be fully fit for the matches."
During his recovery, Morita maintained close contact with the national team and medical staff, who provided him with support and body checks during his rehabilitation. He expressed gratitude for their assistance by saying, "They came to check my body many times. I'm glad to be able to fit back in for the team."
With Japan currently leading Group C, they can secure their World Cup berth with victory against Bahrain. Morita acknowledged the importance of the upcoming match, saying, "I think it’s okay if it doesn’t change much from usual, but it’s important to carry a little bit of enthusiasm and various things and play." His mindset reflects the seriousness of the task at hand, as Japan looks to not only win but maintain their momentum.
Since the start of the qualifying campaign, Morita has showcased his attacking prowess, contributing significantly to the team's success with three goals and one assist over five matches. He has been particularly impactful against Bahrain, having scored twice during their previous encounter.
A victory on March 20 would not just reinforce Japan's dominance but also mark their eighth consecutive appearance at the World Cup, making it a historic occasion for the squad. The excitement is palpable as the players prepare to step onto the pitch, with Morita hoping to play both matches at full capacity: "I want to prepare to be able to play full in both matches," he stated confidently.
Even with his recent injury history, Morita's determination is clear. He emphasizes the need to contribute to the team not just through presence but through tangible results on the scoreboard. "I want to contribute to the team with numbers," he remarked, signaling his commitment to both personal and team success.
Morita's ambition, coupled with the support of his teammates and coaching staff, paints a picture of camaraderie and resilience within the squad. The focus will now shift to the tactical preparations as they seek to outmaneuver their opponents.
The upcoming matches are set to take place at Saitama Stadium, where not only will the seats be filled with fans eager to cheer for the national team, but the importance of these games will resonate throughout Japan as fans share hopes and dreams of World Cup glory.
Overall, the Japanese team remains optimistic as they prepare for the qualifiers, hoping to deliver memorable performances and secure their place on football’s biggest stage. With Morita leading the charge, the stakes are high, but so is their spirit as they look to build on their successes and make history once again.
