Japan name World Cup squad: Major Kaoru Mitoma decision made as Hajime Moriyasu selects 26-player group

Brighton & Hove prima Kaoru Mitoma has been near retired of Japan's squad for the World Cup.

The 28-year-old was viewed arsenic Japan's cardinal subordinate up of a tourney wherever they are anticipating a heavy tally connected the backmost of notable wins implicit the likes of Brazil and England.

However, Mitoma suffered a hamstring wounded during last weekend's 3-0 triumph implicit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Head manager Fabian Hurzeler revealed connected Thursday that "a wide schedule" cannot beryllium fixed connected the betterment of the 31-cap playmaker.

Nevertheless, Japan brag Hajime Moriyasu has taken the determination to omit Mitoma from his plans for the tourney successful the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"This volition wounded him"

Speaking connected Mitoma aft revealing his squad, Moriyasu conceded that Mitoma would beryllium "hurt" by his determination to permission him retired of the travelling group.

He said: "This volition wounded him much than it hurts anyone.

"I anticipation erstwhile helium gets implicit this, helium volition retrieve arsenic rapidly arsenic imaginable and get backmost to playing with full freedom."

Mitoma would person been participating astatine his 2nd World Cup, aft making 4 appearances successful the 2022 variation erstwhile Japan reached the past 16 earlier losing to Croatia successful a punishment shootout.

Liverpool midfielder Endo included successful Japan World Cup squad

Meanwhile, Wataru Endo has been selected successful the squad, contempt the Liverpool midfielder having been sidelined since February 11.

The 33-year-old has precocious returned to grooming aft ankle surgery, with Arne Slot hopeful that the seasoned whitethorn diagnostic successful his squad earlier the extremity of 2025-26.