Mitoma Omitted from Japan's World Cup Roster Due to Injury

Japan announced its 26-man World Cup squad on Friday, with Kaoru Mitoma excluded due to a hamstring injury. The 28-year-old sustained the injury playing for Brighton. Team medical staff determined Mitoma would not recover in time for the tournament. Takumi Minamino also did not make the squad, having torn his anterior cruciate ligament in December. Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has not played for Japan since June 2024 due to injuries, was named to the squad. Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, and Takefusa Kubo were included on the team. Kento Shiogai, who earned his first cap in March, also made the squad. Japan will face the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F, beginning June 14.