Has Ao Tanaka played in a World Cup before?

Japan has appeared in 8 World Cups. Check the Career tab for Ao Tanaka's full international history.

What position does Ao Tanaka play?

Ao Tanaka plays as a midfielder for Japan at the 2026 World Cup.

Which group is Japan in at the 2026 World Cup?

Japan are in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden.

When does Japan play at the World Cup?

Japan's first match is on 2026-06-14 against Netherlands at AT&T Stadium, Arlington.

Ao Tanaka – Japan | World Cup 2026 Player Profile

Ao Tanaka

Date of BirthSeptember 10, 1998 (age 27)

Place of BirthKawasaki, Japan

Height / Weight180 / 75

PositionMidfielder

Current ClubLeeds

Career

Appearances

Career

Goals

2025-26 Season

Competition	MP	Gls	Ast
World Cup - Qualification Asia	9	1	1
Friendlies	3	0	0
World Cup	2	0	0
Friendlies Clubs	4	0	0
FA Cup	5	2	0
Premier League	28	2	0
Championship	43	5	2
2. Bundesliga	3	0	0
DFB Pokal	1	0	0
All Competitions	98	10	3

Int'l

Caps

Int'l

Goals

Japan's group: Group F →

Japan International

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Home Stats Career Profile News

World Cup 2026

Group F →

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Netherlands	3	2	1	0	6	7
2	Japan	3	1	2	0	4	5
3	Sweden	3	1	1	1	0	4
4	Tunisia	3	0	0	3	-10	0

2026-06-14Netherlands vs JapanAT&T Stadium, Arlington→2026-06-20Tunisia vs JapanEstadio BBVA, Monterrey→2026-06-25Japan vs SwedenAT&T Stadium, Arlington→

2026 tournament outlook

Ao Tanaka will represent Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Japan have been drawn in Group F alongside Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden. Their campaign begins on 2026-06-14 against Netherlands at AT&T Stadium, Arlington. As a midfielder, Tanaka will be looking to make an impact on the biggest stage in world football. Japan's best World Cup finish is Round of 16 (2002, 2018, 2022). They'll be aiming to go further in 2026.

Japan at the 2026 World Cup

Ao Tanaka is part of the Japan squad for the 2026 World Cup, managed by Hajime Moriyasu, alongside T. Hayakawa, H. Araki, S. Inagaki, and R. Germain among the key players.

View full Japan team profile →