JAPAN

Nakamura’s signature move is cutting in from the left to shoot. In recent years he has moved away from upper-body-focused weight training, instead prioritising developing his fluid, evasive style that allows him to glide past opponents. He’s also known for wearing his socks low, Jack Grealish-style, which he says helps reduce his tendency to suffer from muscle cramps. He has played his club football in Ligue 1 since 2023, and has been linked with clubs in England. Before this tournament he spoke to Fifa.com about his World Cup memories, saying: “The 2018 and 2022 tournaments left their mark on me. Both times we got our hearts broken in the Last 16, but they signified one more step forward for us as a country. I remember getting goosebumps just watching the team play, and it reinforced my ambition to appear there one day myself. We’ll be hoping to reach the knockout stages again and go even further. I would love to be able to contribute towards that goal, even just a little … I’ve dreamed about playing in the World Cup since I was a little boy.”

Inspired by his dad who wore the No18 in homage to his hero, the former Germany international Jürgen Klinsmann, Ueda chose the same number for the national team. He is a talented forward, known for smart reading of the game, full of neat diagonal runs and intelligent positioning. “Only the final 10 percent of an attacking move – the goal itself – is down to me,” he said. “The other 90 percent comes from the build-up, so my role is to bring out the strengths of my teammates and turn it into a successful move.” At the World Cup four years ago he featured in just one match, but this summer, with more experience and a growing sense of responsibility, he is determined to make his mark on the world stage. He joined Feyenoord in 2023 for £7m from Belgium’s Cercle Brugge.