Japanese defender can attend World Cup despite being unemployed

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has confirmed that defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is still part of his plans for the 2026 World Cup.

Tomiyasu has a chance to attend the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Reuters .

“I think he can play. If he is in good shape, Tomiyasu is definitely a candidate to help Japan aim for the championship in the US,” said coach Moriyasu.

Previously, Tomiyasu's future in coach Moriyasu's squad became a big question mark. The former Arsenal star was the first choice whenever he was healthy, but a series of injuries forced this defender to terminate his contract with the London team early in the summer of 2025.

Since then, Tomiyasu has been undergoing rehabilitation and has not found a new destination. The last time he played for the Japanese national team was in June 2024. Not playing for any club in the past time has put Tomiyasu's chances of attending the World Cup in doubt.

Japan is the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup (excluding the three host countries Canada, the US and Mexico), having completed the third qualifying round of the Asian region in March 2025. The team has shown outstanding performance with 7 wins, 2 draws and only 1 loss, scoring 30 goals and conceding only 3.

Tomiyasu’s future with Japan now depends on how quickly he recovers and whether he can find a new club before the World Cup. But with Moriyasu’s clear backing, the door to the 2026 World Cup is not closed for the defender.

2 goals in the Arsenal - Man City match On the night of September 21, Arsenal and Man City drew 1-1 in round 5 of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium.

Source: https://znews.vn/hau-ve-nhat-ban-co-the-du-world-cup-du-that-nghiep-post1603976.html