Nagatomo Makes Asian History in the World Cup
Yuto Nagatomo entered the history of Asian football through its grandest gates, becoming the first Asian player to participate in five different editions of the World Cup, following his appearance with the Japanese national team against Sweden in the 2026 World Cup.
The veteran Japanese defender is considered one of the most prominent names in Asian football history, having participated in the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions, achieving an unprecedented accomplishment on the continental level.
The Asian players with the most appearances in the World Cup:
Japan: Yuto Nagatomo — 5 editions (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
South Korea: Hong Myung-bo — 4 editions (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002)
Saudi Arabia: Sami Al-Jaber — 4 editions (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
South Korea: Son Heung-min — 4 editions (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Iran: Ehsan Hajsafi — 4 editions (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Iran: Alireza Jahanbakhsh — 4 editions (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
This exceptional achievement reflects the long and ongoing journey of Yuto Nagatomo, who has maintained his international presence for over 16 years, becoming the Asian record holder for the most World Cup appearances.
The veteran Japanese defender is considered one of the most prominent names in Asian football history, having participated in the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions, achieving an unprecedented accomplishment on the continental level.
The Asian players with the most appearances in the World Cup:
Japan: Yuto Nagatomo — 5 editions (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
South Korea: Hong Myung-bo — 4 editions (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002)
Saudi Arabia: Sami Al-Jaber — 4 editions (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
South Korea: Son Heung-min — 4 editions (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Iran: Ehsan Hajsafi — 4 editions (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Iran: Alireza Jahanbakhsh — 4 editions (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
This exceptional achievement reflects the long and ongoing journey of Yuto Nagatomo, who has maintained his international presence for over 16 years, becoming the Asian record holder for the most World Cup appearances.
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