Mao Itamura Called Up for U20 World Cup: Liverpool Forward's International Duty

Liverpool forward Mao Itamura has barely arrived on Merseyside and already her season is being pulled in a different direction.

The new attacking signing has been called up by Japan for the U20 World Cup in Poland, which kicks off on September 5. Japan have been drawn into a demanding Group D, opening against New Zealand on September 6 before facing USA on September 9 and Italy on September 12.

For Itamura, it’s another major stage in a fast-rising international career. For Liverpool, it’s a headache.

The tournament schedule all but guarantees the 19-year-old will miss at least the opening round of the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season, which starts on the same day the World Cup begins. The women’s international calendar does not line up with the U20 showpiece, leaving clubs to absorb the clash.

Liverpool knew they were signing a player on an upward curve. Itamura was a driving force in Japan’s triumph at the U20 Women’s Asian Cup in April, scoring three goals across the tournament as her side went all the way and edged North Korea 1-0 in the final.

That performance cemented her status as one of the standout prospects in her age group. It also made this latest call-up inevitable.

Liverpool will have to wait a little longer to see her in WSL action. Japan, though, are banking on her to deliver again on the world stage.