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The World Cup AbsencesThe world's best football players will travel to North America this summer for the most anticipated sporting event of the year: the FIFA World Cup 2026. While the 48-team tournament will feature young prodigies and veterans alike, some stars will not be at the tournament, having missed out due to injuries or because their nations failed to qualify.Stars Who Missed QualificationSeveral high-profile players will not be at the World Cup because their countries failed to secure qualification. Among them are:Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia) - The Paris Saint-Germain winger, one of the most feared in European football, will not be on the plane to North America as Georgia failed to qualify.Robert Lewandowski (Poland) - The 37-year-old Barcelona striker left the pitch in tears after Poland narrowly missed out on qualification. With 89 goals in 165 appearances for Poland, he has never advanced beyond the round of 16 at a World Cup.Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sandro Tonali (Italy) - Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time means the tournament will be devoid of some of the finest Azzurri talents, including the star goalkeeper and midfielder.Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) - Nigeria's shock penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the African playoffs means fans will miss out on watching these two bright attackers.Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) - Cameroon's failure to qualify came as a surprise as the Indomitable Lions hold the African record for the most World Cup appearances with eight overall.Injury-Related AbsencesSeveral players who would have likely been selected for their national teams have been ruled out due to injuries:Hugo Ekitike (France) - The France forward ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for Liverpool against PSG in April, an injury that could sideline him until January 2027.Estevao (Brazil) - The 19-year-old suffered a grade four hamstring injury while playing for Chelsea in April, crushing his dream of making his World Cup debut.Rodrygo (Brazil) - The Real Madrid winger suffered a torn meniscus and ACL in his right knee while playing for Madrid in March and is expected to be out until the end of 2026.Xavi Simons (Netherlands) - The attacking midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while playing for Tottenham Hotspur against Wolverhampton Wanderers.Other Notable AbsencesSeveral other high-profile players will also miss the tournament:Fermin Lopez (Spain) - Misses out after requiring surgery on a fracture in his right foot.Serge Gnabry (Germany) - Ruled out with a torn adductor muscle in his right thigh.Cole Palmer and Phil Foden (England) - Omitted from England's squad after both had disappointing seasons.Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma (Japan) - Minamino was left out after suffering an ACL tear while Mitoma also misses out after suffering a hamstring injury.Eder Militao, Joao Pedro, and Richarlison (Brazil) - All dropped from Brazil's squad due to injuries.Jan Oblak (Slovenia) - The goalkeeper and captain will be absent after Slovenia failed to qualify.Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary) - Faces a similar fate after Hungary missed out on qualification.

The Lead: Japan's World Cup AmbitionsJapan have been late bloomers in terms of World Cups, only reaching the tournament for the first time in 1998 – but since then they have been at every edition. While they have never gotten past the last 16, their current crop of players is surely the most talented in the national side's history.Statement Victory: Japan's Rising International StatusJapan were the first team – outside the hosts – to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Samurai Blue have beaten Germany, Brazil, England and Spain since 2022. Their recent 1-0 win at Wembley against England in March, courtesy of a Kaoru Mitoma goal, sent a clear statement about their growing international prowess.Key Players: Mitoma's Absence and Kubo's PromiseJapan's preparations were dealt a blow with star player Kaoru Mitoma missing the tournament due to a hamstring injury. However, Japanese right-winger Takefusa Kubo has promised to fill the void. The 24-year-old has had a fantastic season at Real Sociedad, where he has tormented the best defences of La Liga and helped his side lift the Copa del Rey.Team Structure: Strong Backbone and Tactical FlexibilityWhile coach Hajime Moriyasu's side relish unleashing their attacking talent when possible, they can be pragmatic when needed – playing a low block and keeping things tight – and have a strong backbone. Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has made the 26-man squad, despite not playing for the Samurai Blue for almost two years due to injuries. In midfield, Wataru Endo offers versatility alongside his leadership and defensive screening, while Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace offers creativity in the middle of the park.Group Analysis: Path Through Group FJapan will surely qualify from Group F, with their opener against the Netherlands likely to be the stiffest test but also an opportunity to send a statement about their intentions. Tunisia and Sweden will probably not have enough quality to contain the Japanese, but the Blue Samurai certainly will not want to be getting complacent.Future Outlook: Breaking the Last 16 BarrierJapan may well break their last 16 hex – but the last eight will likely be as far as it goes for a side whose limitations will probably catch up with them. The psychological weight of so many last 16 exits is something the Blue Samurai will have to find a way to shrug off if they are to achieve greater success in 2026.Squad Breakdown: Key Names to KnowGoalkeepers: Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa.Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki.Midfielders: Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Yuito Suzuki.Forwards: Daizen Maeda, Koki Ogawa, Ayase Ueda, Keito Nakamura, Kento Shiogai, Keisuke Goto.

In a major blow to Japan’s World Cup ambitions, the 28‑year‑old Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was omitted from the 26‑man roster after a hamstring injury sustained during Brighton’s 3‑0 victory over Wolves. Coach Hajime Moriyasu confirmed the decision, citing the medical team’s assessment that Mitoma would not regain fitness in time for the tournament. Hamstring Setback Forces Brighton Winger Out of Samurai Blue Roster Mitoma’s injury occurred in the Premier League match last weekend, ruling him out of the national team’s preparations. The decision also saw Monaco forward Takumi Minamino miss out after an ACL tear. Japan’s squad now features a mix of Europe‑based talent, including Ajax defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, and Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo. Numbers Behind the Omission: Goals, Appearances, and Squad Composition Mitoma has scored nine goals for Japan, including the winner against England at Wembley. Japan’s Group F includes the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia, with the opening match on 14 June in Arlington, Texas. The final squad lists 3 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 6 forwards. Other notable inclusions: Daichi Kamada, Yuto Nagatomo, and Kento Shiogai. Implications for Japan’s World Cup Campaign and Group F Prospects Mitoma’s absence removes a proven goal‑scorer and a player who delivered decisive moments in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, such as the shock wins over Germany and Spain. Japan now relies on forwards like Daizen Maeda and Ayase Ueda to fill the creative void, while the midfield will need to generate chances without Mitoma’s pace on the flanks. What Lies Ahead: Japan’s Tactical Adjustments and Replacement Options Coach Moriyasu is expected to deploy a more compact attacking shape, possibly shifting Takefusa Kubo into a wider role and giving Daichi Kamada greater freedom to link midfield and attack. The team’s final pre‑World Cup friendly against Iceland on 31 May will be a crucial test of these adjustments before the squad departs for the Nashville training camp.

England suffered a 0-1 defeat to Japan in a friendly match at Wembley, with Kaoru Mitoma scoring the winning goal. The match saw several England players struggle, including Ben White and Kobbie Mainoo, who received low ratings.Jordan Pickford had a mixed game, with no chance to save Mitoma's goal but making a good save from Ritsu Doan. He received a rating of 6. Marc Guéhi was one of the better performers in defense, blocking a shot in the second half and earning a rating of 6.The defeat raises questions about England's form, particularly with Phil Foden and Anthony Gordon struggling to make an impact. The team's World Cup hopes may be affected by this loss.Substitutes Jarrod Bowen, Lewis Hall, Dominic Solanke, and Marcus Rashford all received positive ratings, but it was too little, too late to change the outcome of the match.

England's preparations for the World Cup suffered a setback as they were beaten 1-0 by Japan in a friendly match at Wembley Stadium. The only goal of the game was scored by Kaoru Mitoma in the 23rd minute, who started the move by nicking the ball off Cole Palmer and finished it with a low shot after getting a return pass from Keito Nakamura.The match was marked by England's lack of cutting edge in attack, with several chances created but not capitalized on. The team struggled to cope with Japan's disciplined defense and fluid counter-attacks. England's manager, Thomas Tuchel, had been looking to test his team against good opposition ahead of the World Cup, but the performance raised more questions than answers.The absence of Harry Kane, who missed the game due to a sore foot, was keenly felt, with England lacking a focal point in attack. Phil Foden was tried as a central attacker, but he struggled to make an impact. The team's creative force was largely absent, with most of their threats coming from set pieces.Japan, on the other hand, showed impressive discipline and organization, both in and out of possession. They worked the ball slickly and created several chances, with Mitoma being a standout performer. The win was a significant upset, with England expected to dominate the match.Tuchel will have plenty to ponder ahead of the World Cup, with the team's performance raising concerns about their ability to thrive against top opposition without Kane. The manager will need to find solutions to England's attacking woes and defensive vulnerabilities if they are to succeed on the biggest stage.

Japan's national football team is gearing up to face England at Wembley Stadium, following a 1-0 win against Scotland in Glasgow. The team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, is looking to build on their recent successes and gain valuable experience ahead of the World Cup.The Japanese team has come a long way since their last-16 exit in the 2022 World Cup. With a focus on developing their skills and teamwork, they have won six and drawn one of their seven European tests under Moriyasu's leadership. A win against England would be a significant boost to their confidence and preparation for the World Cup.Kaoru Mitoma, a Brighton player, emphasized the team's ambitions, stating that they aim to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The team's victory against Scotland was a comfortable one, with Junya Ito scoring the winning goal. Mitoma expressed his excitement about playing against England, saying, 'Against England I want us to be even more aggressive in our defending and see how much we can win the ball back.'The team faces some challenges, including injuries to key players such as Wataru Endo and Takefusa Kubo. However, with a strong squad and a desire to prove themselves, Japan is determined to make a statement against England.