Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma is a significant doubt for the 2026 World Cup after being dominated out of Brighton’s closing two Premier League matches of the season.
Mitoma suffered a hamstring damage throughout Brighton’s 3-0 win over Wolves final weekend.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu is because of title his World Cup squad on Friday.
Mitoma’s absence could be a significant blow to Japan’s hopes of progressing past the final 16 for the primary time. The winger scored the winner within the Samurai Blue’s 1-0 victory over England at Wembley in March.
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“Relating to the World Cup, I’m undecided but. We’ll be in contact with the Japan federation,” Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler stated on Thursday.
“We actually must be affected person with this damage, we can’t give a transparent schedule.
“He’ll miss our two video games. That’s unhappy for Kaoru. He was in good kind and had a huge impact on our performances.”
Japan will start its World Cup marketing campaign in opposition to the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, on June 14.
It’s going to additionally face Tunisia and Sweden in Group F.
Printed on Might 14, 2026