In December 2010, Yoshida was called up for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. Under the management of Alberto Zaccheroni, it's emerged that Yoshida is expecting to start in the centre–back position ahead of the tournament. He scored his first Japan goal, in a 1–1 draw against Jordan on 9 January 2011. Yoshida started two more matches in the group-stage, as Japan progressed through the knockout stage. However, Yoshida was sent–off for a second bookable offence, in a 3–2 win against Qatar in the quarter–finals of the AFC Asian Cup. After serving a one match suspension, Yoshida returned to the starting line-ups in the AFC Asian Cup Final against Australia and played 120 minutes, as they beat the Socceroos 1–0 to win the AFC Asian Cup, thanks to Tadanari Lee. Between 7 June 2011 and 2 September 2011, Yoshida kept three consecutive three cleans; including once against North Korea, which he scored the only goal of the game. Yoshida kept an additional three more clean sheets between 7 October 2011 and 11 November 2011.