Liverpool's Mao Itamura Heads to U20 World Cup Instead of WSL

Liverpool’s new attacking talent Mao Itamura is heading straight into a World Cup rather than straight into the Women’s Super League.

The forward has been called up by Japan for the U20 World Cup in Poland, which kicks off on September 5. Japan have been drawn in Group D and open against New Zealand on September 6, before taking on USA on September 9 and Italy on September 12.

For Liverpool, the timing could hardly be tougher.

The 2026-27 WSL season starts on the same day the tournament begins, and with the women’s international calendar not aligned to the U20 World Cup, Itamura is almost certain to miss at least the Reds’ opening league fixture.

Japan know exactly what they are getting. Itamura was a standout performer at the U20 Women’s Asian Cup in April, scoring three goals across the tournament as Japan went all the way. They sealed the title with a 1-0 win over North Korea in the final, a statement victory for a group now aiming to carry that form onto the world stage.

For Liverpool, it’s a short-term headache. For Itamura, it’s the next step in a rapidly rising career.