Who are the half-African players who helped Japan to the 2026 World Cup’s historic qualification?

Zion Suzuki in action for Japan

By Emmanuel Akyereko

Japan have become the first country to secure their qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after host countries Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Daichi Kamada carved the visitors opened on the 66th minute through an assist by former Real Madrid whizkid Takefusa Kubo. Kubo, who assisted Kamada’s opener, sealed the win and secured the top spot for the Blue Samurai when he scored the second goal of the game 4 minutes to the end of regulation time.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side sit on top of the group with 19 points, winning 6 times and drawing just once in the qualification seals.

After the historic match to the next edition of the World Cup, Jafriq Radio takes a look at the contribution of half-African players in the Japanese squad.

During the game at the Saitama Stadium 2002 on Thursday night, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was in between the sticks for the victorious side as he kept a clean sheet in the encounter. Suzuki was born in the United States of America to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother.

Suzuki, who has been on the books of European giants – Bayern Munich and Manchester United, kept the post in all 7 games played by Japan in the qualification series and conceded only 2 goals. He is currently on the books of Italian Serie A side Parma.

Meanwhile, half-Nigerian shot-stopper Leobrian Kokubo couldn’t get selected into the squad for the qualification campaign.

Joel Chima Fujita, the 23-year-old midfielder, who plays for Belgian side St Truiden, warmed the bench for Hajime Moriyasu’s men last October when they shared the spoils in a 1-1 drawn game against Australia. He is a half-Nigerian and half-Japanese.