Mao Itamura Joins Japan's U20 World Cup Squad

Liverpool’s new attacking talent Mao Itamura is heading straight into a World Cup spotlight before she’s even kicked a competitive ball for the club.

The forward has been named in Japan’s squad for the U20 World Cup in Poland, which begins on September 5. Japan land in Group D and face a demanding schedule: New Zealand on September 6, USA on September 9, and Italy on September 12.

For Itamura, it’s another major stage in a year that’s already been a breakthrough. For Liverpool, it comes with a cost.

The timing of the tournament means the 19-year-old is almost certain to miss at least the opening fixture of the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season, which kicks off on the same day the U20 World Cup begins. The women’s international calendar is not aligned with the youth World Cup dates, leaving clubs like Liverpool to absorb the clash.

Japan know exactly what they’re getting. Itamura played a central role in her country’s triumph at the U20 Women’s Asian Cup in April, striking three times across the tournament as Japan went on to lift the trophy with a 1-0 win over North Korea in the final.

Liverpool signed her for that cutting edge in the final third. Japan are about to lean on it again.