Junya Ito
RW (LW)
Wide Forward
Mar 9, 1993 (33)
Right
5'9"
146 lb
Sends three crosses in loss
Ito recorded one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Monday's 2-1 defeat versus Brazil.
Analysis: Ito was one of the two Japanese playmakers behind Ayase Ueda in their 3-4-2-1 tactic, but he didn't make a big impact in the final third. Ito finishes the 2026 World Cup campaign with one goal, three shots and four chances created while starting in two of his four appearances.
Returns to bench role
Ito had one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Sweden.
Analysis: Ito was back on the bench for Japan after a start against Tunisia, as the forward came off the bench for 23 minutes. He would see a few touches on the ball, completing four passes while recording one cross. He has now started on the bench in both of their crucial matches thus far, leaving him in more of a depth role this World Cup.
Finds back of net
Ito recorded one goal on two shots (one on target) to go along with seven crosses in Saturday's 4-0 win over Tunisia.
Analysis: Ito was a defining part of Japan's win Saturday, as the forward would lead his team with seven crosses, taking five corners in the process. He would also bag a goal in the 69th minute, scoring from an Ayase Ueda assist. He will look to earn a start in their final group stage match after the solid showing against Tunisia, as he only appeared from the bench in their opener.
Experience in attack
Ito has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to provide an experienced and direct option in the attack throughout the competition.
Analysis: Ito made 36 appearances across all competitions for Genk this season after returning to the club in the summer, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in a season disrupted by an ankle injury that limited his availability. Ito brings elite pace, direct running and the experience of having been one of Japan's most important attackers for almost a decade, and his ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver dangerous crosses gives manager Moriyasu a different wide option to the more technical ones. Ito heads into what may be his final World Cup with the motivation to finish his international career on the highest possible note.
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