Japan Names Powerful 2026 World Cup Squad Despite Losing Star Winger Mitoma

Right up until announcement day, head coach Hajime Moriyasu was still finalizing his selections. That last-minute deliberation speaks volumes about Japan's current state — this isn't a straightforward roster where names write themselves in. Instead, it's a manager grappling with genuine tactical choices, meaningful competition for spots, and authentic ambitions of making a deep tournament run.

The 26-player selection for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off June 11 across host nations Canada, Mexico and the United States, is being labeled Japan's most formidable squad in history. Since returning to the helm following the Qatar tournament, Moriyasu has evaluated more than 80 players, demonstrating that the team's depth isn't just talking points — it's legitimate. Yet Friday's big story wasn't about who made the cut, but rather who didn't.

Mitoma's absence reshapes Japan's attack

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma will miss the tournament entirely. After consultations between Brighton's medical staff and the Japanese Football Association, the conclusion was clear: Mitoma won't be match-ready in time, leaving Moriyasu without alternatives. For a squad that's built serious momentum over the past two seasons — defeating Germany in 2023, beating Brazil last October, and toppling England this past March — losing their most explosive wide player so close to the competition is a significant blow.

This absence directly impacts Japan's tournament prospects. Mitoma possesses the rare ability to decide matches in fleeting moments. His unavailability means opposing backlines have one less nightmare scenario to prepare for.

That said, the replacement situation isn't dire. Keito Nakamura, who features for Stade de Reims in France's Ligue 1, impressed against Brazil when filling in for the injured Mitoma. Those are precisely the auditions Moriyasu's rotation-based philosophy was designed to generate.

Why this Japanese team is unique

Moriyasu has fundamentally restructured the program's operations since Qatar 2022. Specialized coaches now oversee offensive strategy, defensive organization, and set-piece execution independently, while Moriyasu orchestrates the overall tactical framework. It's a more sophisticated operation — and in tournament knockout scenarios, set pieces frequently determine outcomes.

The manager also isn't hesitant to exercise his authority. He publicly criticized Real Sociedad midfielder Takefusa Kubo in front of teammates for substandard training efforts. Such confrontational leadership either destroys team chemistry or elevates standards. Based on Japan's recent performances, it's clearly been the latter.

The controversial decision involved selecting Liverpool's Wataru Endo and Ajax defender Takehiro Tomiyasu despite both nursing injuries. Moriyasu's reasoning references 2018, when Shinji Okazaki and Takashi Inui rebounded from comparable situations to contribute meaningfully in Russia. It's a measured risk — and even if either player reaches 80% fitness by the group stage, they'd still strengthen the roster.

• Japan's previous World Cup elimination: Round of 16, penalty shootout loss to Croatia (Qatar 2022)
• 2026 objective: Advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in program history
• Notable recent victories: Germany, Brazil, and England all defeated since Qatar
• Major absence: Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) — sidelined with injury
• Fitness risks taken: Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax)

Japan have defeated the caliber of opponents you must overcome to claim a World Cup. Germany on two occasions. Brazil. England. While the group-stage draw will significantly influence their path, the Samurai Blue enter this tournament with credible credentials — not as sentimental longshots, but as a technically organized squad with genuine depth and a manager who's demonstrably evolved since the heartbreaking Croatia elimination.

Following Qatar, Moriyasu wrote "never forget the regret" in his match-day notebook. He's had three years to channel that disappointment into preparation.