Has Ko Itakura played in a World Cup before?

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

What position does Ko Itakura play?

Ko Itakura plays as a defender 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.

Ko Itakura – Japan | World Cup 2026 Player Profile

Ko Itakura

Date of BirthJanuary 27, 1997 (age 29)

Place of BirthYokohama, Japan

Height / Weight188 / 80

PositionDefender

Current ClubAjax

Career

Appearances

Career

Goals

2025-26 Season

Competition	MP	Gls	Ast
World Cup - Qualification Asia	11	1	0
Friendlies	1	0	0
World Cup	2	0	1
KNVB Beker	1	0	0
Eredivisie	19	1	0
UEFA Champions League	6	0	0
Bundesliga	31	3	0
DFB Pokal	2	1	0
All Competitions	73	6	1

Int'l

Caps

Int'l

Goals

Japan's group: Group F →

Japan International

VeloBet

Get a $20 World Cup Free Bet — No Deposit Required

Accepts:

₿

₮

· 18+ · PLAY RESPONSIBLY

Claim $20 Free Bet

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

Ko Itakura 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 defender, Itakura 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

Ko Itakura 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 →