Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sun 31 May 2026 16:10, UK

Leeds United fans will have added interest at the World Cup by following their players such as Ao Tanaka.

The Japanese international is set to feature in the upcoming tournament in North America, with preparations already underway.

Tanaka has been drawn into quite a tough group, with the Netherlands and Sweden as opposition alongside African nation Tunisia.

A reunion of sorts between Tanaka and Gudmundsson could be set for their final Group F fixture, but Tanaka may have to fight for his starting place.

His history with Japan suggests that the midfielder may yet need to earn his berth in Hajime Moriyasu’s starting lineup, but he could have added confidence now after his end to the season with Leeds and recent display for Japan.

Why Ao Tanaka still needs to fight for Japan place

Over the last year, Tanaka has had a mixed time with the Japanese national team.

In the last six international games before facing Iceland ahead of the World Cup, he started just three of those games, with two appearances off the bench and one as an unused substitute.

The minutes could likely be attributed to his reduced role at Leeds, with Daniel Farke only starting him in seven matches before April.

However, Tanaka turned his Elland Road career around and ended the season as one of the Whites’ first-choice midfielders. He started the final seven Premier League games of the season.

Now, he will be eyeing doing the same for his nation. Ahead of the World Cup, Japan has faced off against Iceland on 31 May, with Tanaka playing for 73 minutes.

The Leed star was impressive for the Samurai Blue, completing 93 per cent of his passes, making nine passes into the final third, and completing 100 per cent of his long passing too, according to Sofascore.

He also made five recoveries and won 67 per cent of his ground duels attempted. For a player potentially fighting for a starting World Cup role, he certainly did himself plenty of favours.

Who is Ao Tanaka competing with at Japan?

Tanaka has plenty of tough competition in the Japanese national team, with captain and fellow Premier League player Wataru Endo likely to start most games due to his leadership role.

Additionally, Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace, who just starred in the Conference League final for the Eagles, is often deployed in the midfield two as well.

So, Tanaka needs to take his chances whenever they arrive, and his performance against Iceland is a step in the right direction ahead of the tournament.

Tanaka’s Leeds mentality shows he will not give up, and he may very well be rewarded for his patience at the club level on the international stage.