Reo Hatate’s dream of representing Japan at the 2026 World Cup is a goal that many Celtic fans would love to see him achieve, and it’s clear that he has the ambition, talent, and determination to make it happen. However, breaking into Japan’s starting lineup is no small challenge. While he has earned call-ups in the past, he has often found himself as an unused substitute, most recently in Japan’s crucial win over Bahrain. Despite this, Hatate remains confident that his Champions League experience with Celtic can give him the platform he needs to finally secure a spot in the national team for the biggest tournament in football.
Champions League Experience as a Stepping Stone
One of the biggest advantages Hatate has in his pursuit of a World Cup place is his experience at the highest level of club football. The Champions League is where elite players test themselves against the best in the world, and Hatate has already proven that he can compete on that stage. Scoring in the Champions League is an achievement that not only boosts a player’s confidence but also catches the attention of national team coaches.
Hatate himself acknowledged this, stating: “When you score a goal in the Champions League, as I have, it gives you enormous confidence as a player.” It’s a fair point—Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu will be well aware that players who thrive under the pressure of European nights at stadiums like the Bernabéu, Allianz Arena, or Celtic Park have the mentality to handle international tournaments.
His performances for Celtic in Europe have demonstrated his ability to dictate play, press effectively, and contribute to attacking moves against high-caliber opposition. If he can continue to shine in next season’s Champions League, Moriyasu will have even more reason to consider him for the final World Cup squad.
Japan’s Midfield Competition: Where Does Hatate Fit In?
One of the biggest challenges for Hatate is the sheer competition in Japan’s midfield. The Samurai Blue have an incredibly talented pool of midfielders, many of whom play in Europe’s top leagues. This means that Hatate is fighting for a place in a squad that already includes established players who have been instrumental in Japan’s qualification campaign.
The likes of Daichi Kamada (Lazio), Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Hidemasa Morita (Sporting CP), and Ritsu Doan (Freiburg) have all been regular starters in Japan’s midfield and have been trusted by Moriyasu in major matches. Hatate, meanwhile, has often been on the fringes—frequently called up but rarely given significant minutes on the pitch.
His omission from the starting XI against Bahrain was another indication that he still has work to do to earn the manager’s full trust. However, this is not an impossible task. With over a year left until the World Cup, Hatate has time to prove that he deserves to be part of the squad heading to the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The Importance of the Saudi Arabia Match
Hatate has made it clear that he sees the upcoming match against Saudi Arabia as a key opportunity to show Moriyasu what he can do. His statement—”I want to play against Saudi Arabia and show my ability, and I want to show the manager I deserve to be in the squad”—reveals his determination to take advantage of every chance he gets.
If he does get game time against Saudi Arabia, it will be crucial for him to make an impact. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Hatate needs to demonstrate his ability to control the tempo of a match, link up well with teammates, and contribute both defensively and offensively. A strong performance in this game could put him in a better position for future call-ups and increase his chances of featuring regularly in Japan’s pre-World Cup preparations.
What Does Hatate Need to Do to Secure His Spot?
If Hatate wants to book his ticket to the World Cup, he needs to ensure that he remains one of Celtic’s most influential players throughout the coming season. His injury setbacks earlier in his Celtic career limited his opportunities, but when fully fit, he has been one of the best midfielders in Scotland.
To strengthen his case for Japan, Hatate must:
- Stay Fit and Maintain Consistency – Injuries have hampered his ability to string together long runs of top performances. A full, uninterrupted season with Celtic would allow him to showcase his best form.
- Excel in Domestic and European Competitions – While performing well in the Scottish Premiership is important, his biggest chances to impress Moriyasu will come in the Champions League and against top-level opponents.
- Seize International Opportunities – Any time he is called up to the Japan squad, he must make the most of his minutes. Even if he gets only limited game time, making an impact in those moments is key.
- Prove His Versatility – Japan already has a strong midfield core, so Hatate might need to show that he can play multiple roles—whether as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box midfielder, or even an attacking midfielder.
Will Hatate Make Japan’s World Cup Squad?
While his place is not guaranteed, Hatate’s determination and quality give him a strong chance of making Japan’s final squad for the World Cup. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, his Champions League experience, and his impressive displays for Celtic all work in his favor. However, the final decision will rest on how well he takes his chances over the next year.
If he continues to develop and remains a key player for Celtic, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be on the plane to North America in 2026. Japan’s squad selection will be highly competitive, but Hatate has all the tools needed to force his way in.
It will be fascinating to see how his international journey unfolds. Do you think he will cement his place in the squad before the tournament, or will he have to fight for a last-minute inclusion?