Japan name World Cup squad without Mitoma, Tomiyasu returns

Japan national football team have announced their final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with injury-hit winger Kaoru Mitoma left out in a major setback for the team.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu unveiled the squad in Tokyo on Friday (May 15), blending experienced campaigners with emerging talents ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned to the national team after nearly two years. The centre-back last played for Japan against Syria in June 2024 and is currently with Dutch club Ajax following his departure from Arsenal.

Captain Wataru Endo has also recovered from an ankle injury suffered in April and is expected to play a key leadership role in midfield during the World Cup campaign.

However, the absence of Mitoma has emerged as the biggest talking point. The Brighton winger suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month during a match against Wolverhampton, ruling him out of the tournament. His pace and dribbling had been a major attacking weapon for Japan in recent years.

Experienced forward Takumi Minamino was also left out of the squad.

Veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo remains the most experienced player in the team. The 39-year-old, who has made 144 appearances for Japan, is set to play in his fifth World Cup.

This will be Japan’s eighth appearance at the FIFA World Cup. They were knocked out in the Round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022, losing to Belgium and Croatia respectively. It will be Moriyasu’s second World Cup as head coach.