Japan arrive consolidated as one of the best national teams in Asia. Under head coach Hajime Moriyasu, they promise to make a great impact at the 2026 World Cup. However, Kaoru Mitoma will be absent from the tournament, being a major loss for the national team. Japan have managed to remain one of the most competitive national teams in Asia. Not only do they have a roster full of stars, but they also possess an imposing collective game under head coach Hajime Moriyasu. However, they will feel the difficult absence of Kaoru Mitoma, as he will not be at the 2026 World Cup, losing one of their most game-changing players in the world. Kaoru Mitoma suffered a severe hamstring tear on May 9, 2026, while playing for Brighton & Hove Albion. With an estimated recovery time of eight weeks, he would return to the pitch at the end of July, which ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup. Without his presence, Japan lose a difference-maker in dribbling, something they may need considerably in the tournament to make the difference. Throughout the 2025-26 season, Mitoma had numerous physical problems that limited him to playing only 27 matches, in which he scored 3 goals and provided just 1 assist. Despite this, he remained an undisputed choice for head coach Hajime Moriyasu, making his absence a very significant one. Nonetheless, he is expected to make a comeback after the 2026 World Cup, with Brighton & Hove Albion. Taking Mitoma’s spot, head coach Hajime Moriyasu may bet on Junya Ito, shinning at KRC Genk, and Daizen Maeda, shinning with Celtic, may take on a bigger role within Japan’s roster. Nonetheless, they need to step up their performances, as they have not been able to take a protagonist role within the national team. Having just three games to prove, they have a huge task ahead. Kaoru Mitoma of Japan celebrates victory. Mitoma leads Japan injury crisis ahead of the 2026 World Cup Japan arrive as one of the favorites in Group F of the 2026 World Cup. While the Netherlands and Sweden are strong teams, Hajime Moriyasu’s team has proven to be highly competitive with its offensive style of play. However, Kaoru Mitoma’s absence is not the only one, as they have suffered two other very significant losses, making their injury crisis for the tournament clear. Takumi Minamino suffered an ACL injury while playing for AS Monaco, ruling him out of the anticipated tournament. Alongside him, Wataru Endo was ruled out shortly before the start of the tournament due to persistent foot problems. With these numerous absences, head coach Hajime Moriyasu will have to notably readjust his style of play, making it more difficult to shine in the tournament.
Former Celtic striker Darren Jackson is "surprised and disappointed" Martin O'Neill's backroom team is yet to be confirmed following his appointment as permanent manager. Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham were key lieutenants as O'Neill guided Celtic to the title and Scottish Cup last season, but have reportedly been asked to take a pay cut to stay on. Gavin Strachan, Stephen McManus and goalkeeper coach Stevie Woods were also part of the backroom team that delivered Celtic's fifth consecutive league title.
Celtic will be "very active" with their recruitment in the coming weeks, insists interim chairman Brian Wilson. After Martin O'Neill was confirmed as permanent manager on a one-year deal on Thursday, Wilson was asked in a club interview if the 74-year-old would be given the resources to improve the squad. Wilson said the board had admitted previous mistakes on their part and has called on supporters to ensure there is no repeat of the "division" that plagued Celtic for much of the past year.
Just over a year ago, Celtic launched their season ticket campaign for the 2025-26 season under the tagline 'Back For The Future'. It was a clever nod to the return of familiar faces, with manager Brendan Rodgers joined by fan favourites Kieran Tierney and Jota, all embarking on second spells at the club. Because the real Back To The Future story arrived this week, with confirmation Martin O'Neill will return for at least one more season at the helm - this time as permanent manager.
Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert believes Martin O'Neill "is the best person" to meet the club's expectations next season. Lambert starred for Celtic during during O'Neill's trophy-laden five-year spell in charge from 2000 and says his former boss' man-management of players is what makes him the best candidate right now. "That is his biggest strength, and he knows how to win and he knows Celtic must be a winning club, it can't be development and waiting for one or two months to get results - it is never going to work," he told BBC Scotland.
