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AS Monaco's Takumi Minamino, right, goes down injured. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Japan’s attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino will not feature in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The Monaco midfielder suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in December, which ruled him out of Samurai Blue’s plans for the quadrennial event.

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The former Liverpool player was injured during Monaco’s 2-1 win in its French Cup tie against Auxerre. 

The 31-year-old, who has 26 goals in 73 caps for Japan, was stretchered from the field of play with his face in his hands.

Japan is in Group F with Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia.

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Published on Jun 15, 2026