London (AFP) – Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma is a major doubt for the 2026 World Cup after being ruled out of Brighton's final two Premier League games of the season.
Issued on: 14/05/2026 - 17:46
Mitoma suffered a hamstring injury during Brighton's 3-0 win over Wolves last weekend.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu is due to name his World Cup squad on Friday.
The absence of Mitoma, who scored the winner in the Samurai Blue's 1-0 victory over England at Wembley in March, would be a major blow to Japan's hopes of progressing beyond the last 16 for the first time.
