Overview
- Japan, which named its 26-man roster Friday in Tokyo, confirmed that Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino will miss the tournament because of injuries.
- Coach Hajime Moriyasu said team doctors ruled Mitoma’s hamstring recovery unlikely during the World Cup window.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu returned after nearly two years away from the national team, and captain Wataru Endo was included despite a recent injury-hit club season.
- Takefusa Kubo, selected to the squad, pledged to carry Mitoma’s spirit and take on greater responsibility in attack.
- Japan opens Group F against the Netherlands on June 14 in Arlington, then plays Tunisia on June 20 in Monterrey and Sweden on June 25, with a May 31 friendly and a Nashville base camp set for final preparations.