Japan name 26-man World Cup squad as Mitoma injury tests squad depth
Star winger Kaoru Mitoma ruled out with hamstring injury; Takefusa Kubo steps into leadership void as Japan target knockout stage breakthrough
Japan have officially named their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first team outside the host nations to secure qualification for the tournament. The announcement comes with a significant tactical adjustment, as star winger Kaoru Mitoma has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in May while playing for Brighton.
Mitoma’s absence leaves a notable gap in the attacking lineup, but Takefusa Kubo is expected to assume a leading role in his absence. The 24-year-old Real Sociedad forward, who recently helped his club lift the Copa del Rey, has publicly committed to filling the void. Kubo, who overcame a hamstring injury of his own earlier this year, stated he intends to carry Mitoma’s feelings with a greater sense of responsibility.
The Samurai Blue, currently ranked 18th in the FIFA world rankings, have established themselves as a formidable force since 2022, recording victories against Germany, Brazil, England, and Spain. Their recent 1-0 win over England at Wembley, secured by a Mitoma goal, highlighted their capacity to compete with top-tier nations, though analysts remain cautious about their ability to sustain a title push over the course of a long tournament.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu has included former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu in the squad, despite the Ajax player not featuring for the national team for nearly two years due to injury. The squad also features Daizen Maeda, who contributed 14 league goals and six assists during Celtic’s Scottish league title campaign. However, the lack of an elite out-and-out striker remains a potential vulnerability, particularly in counter-attacking scenarios.
Japan are drawn in Group F, where they will face the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden. Their fixtures are scheduled for June 14 against the Netherlands in Dallas, June 20 against Tunisia in Monterrey, and June 25 against Sweden in Dallas. While analysts suggest Japan may finally overcome their historical barrier of exiting in the last 16, concerns persist regarding their consistency in the later stages of the competition.
