TOKYO, May 16 (News On Japan) –
Japan introduced its 26-man squad on May fifteenth for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, with a number of key choices drawing consideration as accidents proceed to have an effect on the nationwide group forward of the match.
Captain Wataru Endo and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, whose health circumstances had been intently monitored, had been each included within the squad by head coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Meanwhile, winger Kaoru Mitoma, thought to be one in every of Japan’s main attacking gamers, was unnoticed after struggling an harm shortly earlier than the announcement. Moriyasu defined {that a} return in time for the match could be “difficult,” successfully ending Mitoma’s hopes of collaborating within the World Cup.
Veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo was additionally chosen, marking his record-breaking look in Japan’s World Cup squad as probably the most chosen particular person participant within the nation’s historical past.
The Japan Football Association held the official squad announcement in Tokyo, the place Moriyasu outlined the reasoning behind the ultimate choices whereas emphasizing the necessity to stability expertise, tactical flexibility and participant situation forward of the competitors.
Japan is scheduled to play its remaining match earlier than the match on May thirty first as preparations intensify for the World Cup opener.
Source: Kyodo