The Japanese national team has released its squad for the upcoming World Cup, with a notable absence due to injury. Forward Ko Ara Mitoma, 28, who plays for Brighton, sustained an injury during the team's 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton last weekend. According to the medical team, Mitoma may struggle to return to form in time for the tournament, as stated by Moriyasu.

Another notable absentee is forward Takumi Minamino of Monaco, who has been out since December due to a torn ligament in his left knee. The Japanese national team made waves at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by unexpectedly winning their group after defeating Germany and Spain, only to be eliminated in the quarter-finals by Croatia after a penalty shootout.

Japan has been in excellent form, winning five consecutive matches before their last friendly match against Iceland in Tokyo on May 31. This streak began last October with a 3-2 victory over Brazil in Tokyo, where the home team came back from 0-2 to win for the first time against a South American team.

This victory streak also marks the last time Japan conceded a goal. The team went on to win 1-0 against England at Wembley on March 31 and then defeated Scotland 1-0 in Glasgow.

This year marks Japan's eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. The team will be competing in a group with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia.

Japan's squad for the World Cup:

  • Goalkeepers: Shuichi Gonda, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hajakawa
  • Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Yuto Nagaoka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Aya Sugawara, Junya Ito
  • Midfielders and Forwards: Daichi Kamada, Koki Ogawa, Daizen Maeda, Ritsu Doan, Aisei Ueda, Ao Tanaka, Keito Nakamura, Kaoru Endo, Kaiyu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Yuto Suzuki, Kento Shiogai, and Keisuke Goto