Japan Coach Moriyasu Names World Cup Squad as Kaoru Mitoma Misses Out Through Injury

Posted : 15 May 2026

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has expressed deep disappointment after star winger Kaoru Mitoma was ruled out of the national squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup due to injury. Moriyasu admitted the team had lost a “major presence” following the Brighton player’s exclusion.

Mitoma was forced to withdraw after Japan’s medical staff determined he would not recover in time from a hamstring injury sustained during Brighton’s recent Premier League win over Wolves. The 28-year-old has been a key figure for Japan in recent years, including scoring a memorable winning goal against England at Wembley in a friendly earlier this year.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, Moriyasu became emotional while addressing the absence of several players from his 26-man squad. Despite the setback, he insisted Japan possess enough depth to compete at the highest level and maintain their playing philosophy.

He pointed to past performances without Mitoma, including a historic friendly victory over Brazil, as evidence that the team can adapt. Moriyasu emphasized that Japan’s success is built on collective strength rather than reliance on individual stars.

Japan have been drawn in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia, and will begin their campaign against the Dutch in Arlington, Texas on June 14. The coach acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained confident in his squad’s ability to perform.

Mitoma played a crucial role in Japan’s standout run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they achieved shock victories over Germany and Spain before narrowly exiting on penalties against Croatia in the round of 16. Moriyasu said the injury setback would be particularly painful for the player but expressed hope for a strong recovery.

Monaco forward Takumi Minamino also misses the tournament after suffering a serious knee injury, further limiting Japan’s attacking options.

However, several experienced players have been included, such as Wataru Endo, Takefusa Kubo, and Daichi Kamada, while veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo is set to feature in his fifth World Cup at age 39.

Moriyasu reiterated that Japan’s World Cup ambitions remain unchanged despite the absences, stressing that the team’s progress and preparation process are more important than individual setbacks.

Japan Coach Moriyasu Names World Cup Squad as Kaoru Mitoma Misses Out Through Injury

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