Japan are up against Netherlands in their World Cup 2026 opener on Sunday (June 14) at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

As the Blue Samurai start their World Cup campaign, Kaoru Mitoma, one of Japan’s most dynamic attackers, is missing the match, as he was not even in the squad.

Why is Kaoru Mitoma not playing?

Mitoma suffered a hamstring injury during Brighton’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in early May 2026. He was forced off and subsequently missed Brighton’s last two league matches. And that has ruled him out of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The injury required surgery, and recovery timelines indicated he would not be fit enough to participate in the tournament, which begins in mid-June. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu confirmed the decision when naming the 26-man squad.

Moriyasu stated (via medical team assessment): “The medical team assessed that it would be difficult for him to get back to fitness during the tournament.” He described it as one of the toughest last-minute calls for the squad.

This marked the latest in a series of injury setbacks for Mitoma in the 2025/26 season, which had already limited his appearances.

Japan’s Group F includes the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden. Without Mitoma and captain Wataru Endo, who withdrew with a foot injury and retired from international duty, Japan must rely more heavily on players like Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda, and others for creativity and goals.

Despite the absences, Moriyasu has expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and European-based talent to compete.

Mitoma has been a standout for Japan in recent years, known for his flair and contributions in major tournaments. His exclusion comes as a heartbreak for fans hoping he could help Japan advance beyond the round of 16 for the first time.