T. Tomiyasu
Ajax · MLS All-Star · Defender · #32 · Japan · 27 yrs
T. Tomiyasu news
Is Vinicius Junior playing? Brazil vs Japan confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup match
Brazil and Japan will face off in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. After shining on offense, Carlo Ancelotti’s team enters the match as clear favorites. As a result, fans are keeping a close eye on Vinicius Jr.’s status, as he could be the difference-maker. Brazil face Japan in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. After impressive performances against Scotland and Haiti, Carlo Ancelotti’s team will look to maintain their attacking threat. However, Hajime Moriyasu’s team could make things difficult, as they are capable of defending brilliantly in a low block and breaking quickly on the counterattack. Because of this, fans are closely watching Vinícius Jr.’s status ahead of the match. Vinícius Jr. will start for Brazil vs Japan, as he has no injuries or suspensions. After being the team’s best player in the last three matches, he will look to make the difference once again. In addition, he is aiming to close the gap on Lionel Messi in the top scorer list, as he already has four goals. Coming off a heavily criticized season, he is expected to be the most decisive player for the national team, leading the attack brilliantly. Under Hajime Moriyasu, Japan have remained highly competitive. They know how to adapt perfectly to their opponents. Therefore, they could excel in a defensive low block against Brazil, making life difficult for Vinícius Jr. In addition, they are very quick on the counterattack, using short passes to advance into the opposition’s half. There, Daizen Maeda will be the difference-maker, as Takefusa Kubo will once again be unavailable. Relying on ball possession and a high press, Brazil have established as one of the best attacking teams at the 2026 World Cup. To do so, Vinícius Jr. is key, as his dribbling ability and goalscoring threat make him the difference-maker. In addition, Casemiro, Gabriel Magalhães, and Marquinhos need to shine defensively, as Japan could look to take advantage of any mistake to threaten on the counterattack. Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil scores against Haiti. Brazil confirmed lineup vs Japan Brazil arrive as the clear favorites to defeat Japan. To do so, head coach Carlo Ancelotti will repeat the same lineup that has performed so well throughout the tournament. Vinícius Jr. will be the cornerstone of the team, having stood out in every match. Although Neymar Jr. will be available, he could come off the bench. Beyond the attack, defensive solidity will be the other challenge, as they need to counter Japan’s counterattacks. Considering this, Brazil will lineup as follows: Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Jr. Japan confirmed lineup vs Brazil Japan will look to surprise Brazil. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu faces a major challenge, as he will not be able to count on Takefusa Kubo. Nevertheless, Daizen Maeda will look to be the difference-maker once again in the attack. In addition, Keito Nakamura will be key to breaking Brazil’s defensive line on the counterattack. Therefore, they will need to be very efficient. With this in mind, Japan will play as follows: Zion Suzuki; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito; Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano; Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda; Ayase Ueda.
Why Takumi Minamino is missing the 2026 World Cup for Japan
Takumi Minamino isn't representing Japan at the 2026 World Cup. A team that could create problems for other sides at the 2026 World Cup is Japan, but they are missing a major player in Takumi Minamino. The reason Minamino is not competing for Japan is that he did not recover in time from a severe injury. It was impossible for the attacking midfielder to be ready in full form after tearing his ACL in December while playing for Monaco. This injury typically takes six to eight months to recover from. Even if the timeline may have been in his favor, not all cases are the same with this injury. It also requires time to build up slowly to avoid setbacks, so Minamino was not able to be called up. Minamino’s role with the team While the player could be doing his rehab in his preferred city, Minamino accepted the invitation from the staff to stay close to them. His rehab continues on a schedule parallel to the light movements he makes with the team. Endo was also left out (Kenta Harada/Getty Images) His role as a mentor could be very important for many reasons, and it is even more needed in this edition because, before the first match, the team captain, Wataru Endo, was left off the list because of an injury. Minamino said about his role, according to Kyodo News: “Lots of people helped me get here and I’m hoping to give my maximum support to the team by offering my personal experience and coming up with my own approach.” Takehiro Tomiyasu on Minamino’s supporting role There are many players with respectable experience in Japan, and Takehiro Tomiyasu is one of them after playing for an elite club like Arsenal. The defender, who now plays for Ajax, praised Minamino for his ability to leave his ego aside as he described his role, according to Nikkan Sports. Tomiyasu said: “Minamino is definitely a plus for the team. He has only just arrived, but just having Takumi here makes everyone smile, and we are happy too, so I think he will do a good job.”