Japan’s Yusuke Araki will mark his maiden outing at the FIFA World Cup in 2026 following a steady rise through the ranks, both on the domestic and continental fronts.

FIFA-accredited since 2017, Araki’s expertise earned him the accolade of the JFA Referee of the Year last year.

At the continental level, the Japanese official has undertaken matches in the Continent’s top-flight competitions, including appearances in four AFC Champions League Elite™ and five AFC Champions League Two™ editions.

Also among the selected referees at the AFC Asian Cup 2023™, Araki’s impressive portfolio includes the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022™ and the AFC U16 Championship 2018, alongside an appointment at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023.