It’s becoming increasingly clear that Hajime Moriyasu sees Daizen Maeda as a key asset for Japan as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The Celtic forward may not have been a guaranteed starter throughout Japan’s qualification campaign, but his involvement in six of their nine matches shows that he is very much in the manager’s thoughts. More importantly, Moriyasu’s recent comments suggest that Maeda’s role in the squad could be set to grow significantly as Japan fine-tunes its approach for the world’s biggest tournament.
Moriyasu has emphasized two key tactical elements that will be crucial for Japan going forward: fast, vertical attacks and intense pressing from the front. These are two areas where Maeda excels, both for club and country. His blistering pace, relentless work rate, and ability to close down defenders make him a perfect fit for the aggressive, high-energy style that Japan aims to implement on the international stage. Even though he didn’t find the net in the recent 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, his performance in that match was highly praised, with Moriyasu pointing out the way he created chances and contributed to Japan’s attacking flow.
Despite this praise, Maeda’s playing time in Japan’s qualifying campaign has been somewhat inconsistent. Out of the six matches he featured in, only one saw him start from the beginning. In the other five, he was used as a substitute, typically coming on for the final 25-30 minutes. His ability to make an impact in those short bursts was evident, particularly in the 7-0 win over China, where he not only played 27 minutes but also got on the scoresheet. However, his overall game time suggests that Moriyasu may still see him more as an impact player rather than a guaranteed starter.
That perception could be changing. In the recent match against Saudi Arabia, Maeda was given a much longer run-out, starting the game and playing 73 minutes before being substituted. This is a strong indication that Moriyasu is testing him in a more prominent role, perhaps with an eye on the World Cup itself. Given Japan’s ambitions to compete at the highest level, Moriyasu knows that they will need players who can handle the demands of tournament football—where intense pressing, quick transitions, and energy levels will be crucial in matches against elite opposition. Maeda, with his tireless running and ability to disrupt opposition defenses, fits that mold perfectly.
Looking at his performances for Celtic, Maeda has proven time and again that he can be a difference-maker in high-stakes matches. Brendan Rodgers has continued to rely on him in crucial games, especially in European competition, where his pressing and movement have been invaluable. While his finishing can sometimes be inconsistent, his ability to stretch defenses and create space for his teammates makes him a vital component of Celtic’s attacking play. If he continues to perform well at club level, it will strengthen his case for a more central role with Japan as the World Cup approaches.
One of the biggest factors in determining Maeda’s role in Japan’s squad will be the competition for places in attack. Japan boasts a number of talented forwards, including players who offer different strengths—whether it’s technical ability, dribbling skill, or a more traditional goal-scoring instinct. Maeda’s unique selling point, however, is his speed and work rate, something that few others can match. If Moriyasu is serious about implementing a pressing-based system, Maeda could become indispensable to Japan’s plans.
Another aspect to consider is Japan’s likely approach against different types of opponents in the World Cup. Against weaker teams who sit deep, Japan may opt for more technically gifted players to unlock packed defenses. However, against stronger nations—such as European and South American powerhouses—Japan will need players who can press aggressively and exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Maeda thrives in those scenarios, making him a likely starter when Japan faces high-caliber opposition.
As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, the next year will be crucial for Maeda. If he can maintain his form and continue to impress for both Celtic and Japan, it will be difficult for Moriyasu to overlook him when selecting his starting XI for the tournament. His work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to stretch defenses make him a unique asset—one that Japan may well rely on heavily when they take on the world’s best teams.
At this stage, while Maeda may not yet be a guaranteed starter, the trajectory of his involvement with Japan suggests that his importance is growing. If Moriyasu stays true to his word about prioritizing high pressing and fast, vertical attacks, then Maeda could well find himself playing a key role in Japan’s World Cup campaign in 2026. His recent extended minutes against Saudi Arabia could be just the beginning of a much larger role for him on the international stage.