Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma will miss out on the 2026 World Cup with an injury. He has now been dropped from Japan’s squad.
Mitoma suffered a hamstring injury in Brighton’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on May 9, 2026. The medical team assessed that it would be difficult for him to return to fitness before the 2026 World Cup.
“He will miss the next two games (against Leeds United and Manchester United). It’s a big blow. We have a big squad and we have shown this season that we can replace important players. We see it as an opportunity to stay together.”
“We really have to be patient with this injury, we can’t give a definite schedule. He will miss our two matches. It’s sad for Kaoru. He’s in good shape and has a big impact on our performance,” said Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler.
Japan had previously lost Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco) who suffered an ACL injury in December 2025. The latest news from Mitoma will be a big blow to Japan’s hopes in the 2026 World Cup finals. They will compete with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F.
Mitoma is widely considered one of Japan’s best players. He scored the winning goal against England in March 2026. He also shone in the 2022 World Cup campaign where they beat Germany and Spain before losing to Croatia in the last 16.
The 28-year-old has scored nine goals in 31 appearances for Japan.
“I hope it’s a minor injury. However, I was told by the staff that it doesn’t seem to be a minor injury,” said Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Mitoma’s absence prompted coach Hajime Moriyasu to recall Takehiro Tomiyasu from Ajax. The former Arsenal defender last played for Japan in June 2024.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada, Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo are on the list.
Japan squad for 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki
Midfielders: Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Yuito Suzuki
Attackers: Daizen Maeda, Koki Ogawa, Ayase Ueda, Keito Nakamura, Kento Shiogai, Keisuke Goto
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