Kaoru Mitoma will not join the Japan national team for the 2026 World Cup due to a hamstring injury.
The absence of the 28-year-old [1] removes a key offensive threat from the Japanese roster as the team prepares for the tournament in North America. Mitoma is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous wingers in international football, and his unavailability forces a tactical shift for the national side.
Japan announced the final squad on Friday, May 15 [2]. The roster consists of 26 players [3]. Mitoma, who plays for Brighton, was left out after suffering a hamstring injury the previous weekend [4].
This season, Mitoma made 27 appearances for Brighton [1]. His consistency in the English Premier League had made him a cornerstone of the national team's attacking strategy. The injury occurred just as the team was finalizing its selection for the 2026 [5] tournament.
While Japan has depth in the midfield and forward positions, replacing a player of Mitoma's specific skill set is a challenge. The coaching staff must now rely on other wingers to provide the same level of pace, and dribbling ability that the Brighton player offers.
Mitoma's exclusion comes as a blow to both the player and the supporters, given his importance to the team's recent form. The timing of the injury — occurring only days before the squad announcement — left the medical staff with no viable path to a quick recovery in time for the tournament.
“Kaoru Mitoma will not join the Japan national team for the 2026 World Cup due to a hamstring injury.”
The loss of Mitoma significantly alters Japan's tactical approach for the 2026 World Cup. As a primary outlet for creativity and width, his absence puts increased pressure on the remaining forwards to produce goals and assists, potentially making Japan more predictable in their attacking transitions against elite opponents.
