Has Hayao Kawabe played in a World Cup before?

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

What position does Hayao Kawabe play?

Hayao Kawabe 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.

Hayao Kawabe – Japan | World Cup 2026 Player Profile

Hayao Kawabe

Date of BirthSeptember 8, 1995 (age 30)

Place of BirthHiroshima, Japan

Height / Weight178 / 70

PositionMidfielder

Current ClubSanfrecce Hiroshima

Career

Appearances

Career

Goals

2025-26 Season

Competition	MP	Gls	Ast
J1 League	18	2	3
EAFF E-1 Football Championship	2	0	0
Super Cup	1	0	0
AFC Champions League Elite	9	0	0
Emperor Cup	2	0	0
AFC Champions League Two	6	1	0
All Competitions	38	3	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

Hayao Kawabe 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, Kawabe 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

Hayao Kawabe 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 →