Japan names 26-man squad for 2026 World Cup; Mitoma excluded
The Japan Football Association has finalised its roster for the FIFA World Cup in North America, with coach Shunsuke Nakamura set to join pre-tournament camps.
Japan has officially announced its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across North America. The selection, released by NHK News Japan on 15 May 2026, prioritises key players currently active in European leagues, including Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan.
The exclusion of winger Kaoru Mitoma from the final list has drawn attention, with the source attributing his absence to an injury sustained during a club match. However, the specific nature and severity of the injury remain unclear, as the official report cuts off when describing his condition. It is currently unconfirmed whether Mitoma’s exclusion is permanent or if he remains a potential late replacement depending on his recovery.
Coach Shunsuke Nakamura is scheduled to join the team for pre-World Cup training camps, marking a strategic shift in leadership ahead of the tournament. The expanded 48-team format of the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, presents a new structural challenge for participating nations, requiring rigorous preparation and squad management.
NHK has confirmed it will broadcast all World Cup matches, with Japan’s group stage games airing live. This comprehensive coverage underscores the national significance of the tournament, although specific details regarding Japan’s group stage opponents have not been listed in the provided source material.
The announcement comes as one month remains before the tournament’s opening, with other nations such as Sweden also finalising their own squads. The focus now shifts to the final preparations and tactical adjustments under Nakamura’s guidance as Japan aims to navigate the expanded field of competitors.
