Tomiyasu: My Road Back to Japan Was ‘A Long Road’
The 27-year-old defender rejoins Japan for the World Cup after leaving Arsenal, joining Ajax, and battling more setbacks. Japan face Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.
With 42 caps and World Cup experience from 2022, Tomiyasu is back in Hajime Moriyasu’s 26-man squad and pushing for a starting spot in Dallas against the Netherlands...
Takehiro Tomiyasu said he feels a “responsibility” to deliver for Japan at the World Cup after earning a call-up despite missing large chunks of the past two seasons through injury.
The 27-year-old former Arsenal defender hasn’t played for Japan in two years. After leaving Arsenal last July, he spent six months without a club while focusing on his recovery.
Tomiyasu joined Ajax in January, but fresh physical issues forced him to withdraw from Japan’s squad for March’s friendlies.
Despite the setbacks, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu included him in the 26-man squad for next month’s World Cup, and Tomiyasu says he’s determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“I feel a sense of responsibility because I was picked for the squad even in these circumstances,” he told reporters after training with the team.
“I want to repay that faith with my performances on the pitch.”
Japan will face the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F, with their World Cup campaign kicking off against the Dutch in Dallas on June 14.
Tomiyasu will be aiming to break into the starting lineup as Japan target a historic run beyond the last 16.
He described his return to the national team as “a long road” to get back to this point.
“A lot has happened on the way to me being picked for this World Cup and I don't want to forget that and use it in a good way,” he said.
“I want to keep in mind that I can't take being here for granted.”
Tomiyasu has 42 caps for Japan and featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the team beat Germany and Spain before falling to Croatia on penalties in the last 16.
🚨 Official: Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, now at Ajax, has been named in the Japan 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. ✅🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/SQ5YoYrE4m
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 16, 2026
He said his goal this time is to make sure he enjoys the tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“To be honest, I didn't feel that way last time when it was all over,” he said.
“I think I was too self-conscious, and this time I want to say something if something needs to be said, and go into the tournament without overthinking anything.”
No comments:
Leave comment here