Takumi Minamino, a key player in coach Hajime Moriyasu's system, missed out on the tournament due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while playing for Monaco in 12/2025. Despite this setback, the 31-year-old forward was called up to serve as an advisor, aiming to provide maximum support to the entire team.

Similarly, 38-year-old center-back Maya Yoshida also plays a crucial supporting role. Before the finals, he actively participated as a practice opponent in every training session, helping the squad prepare.

Takumi Minamino (center) and Maya Yoshida (right) wait to collect balls after Japan's warm-up before their opening match against the Netherlands in Group F of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium in the US on 14/6. Photo: Sankei Sports

The dedication of Yoshida and Minamino, who chose to forgo their summer vacation with family to support the national team, has been widely praised. Japanese newspaper Sponichi reported that the duo, alongside other former national team members, are making silent contributions at the world's biggest tournament. They are often the first to arrive at training, assisting the coaching staff in preparing for matches, while also encouraging, sharing experience, and offering advice to younger players.

Veteran Yuto Nagatomo highlighted their commitment, stating in a video on the Japan Football Association (JFA) YouTube channel that the duo are willing to perform tasks typically handled by logistics staff. "They clean their teammates' boots, collect balls, training kits, and tidy up the changing rooms", the defender born in 1986 said. "That's a story we don't usually see".

In the comments section of the video, many fans expressed surprise and respect for the veteran players. "It brought tears to my eyes", one account wrote.

Nagatomo cited Minamino's and Yoshida's actions as evidence of a highly united Japan. The player, participating in his fifth World Cup, also noted that most Dutch players remained seated on the bench, while Japanese players stood together. He further pointed out that the team's youngest member, Keisuke Goto, proactively brought water to Kento Shiogai before being substituted onto the field.

"I think this team has the best unity in the world", Nagatomo stated. "We will definitely stay until the final match on 20/7".

Members of the Japan national team, including advisors like Maya Yoshida, Takumi Minamino (left), link arms to show their determination before the match against the Netherlands. Photo: JFA

Nagatomo's encouragement aims to help players focus on defeating Tunisia in the second Group F match on Monday, 22/6, Hanoi time. In seven World Cup appearances, Japan has only achieved one victory in a second group stage match, against Russia at home in 2002, with three losses and three draws in other attempts. At Qatar 2022, Japan surprisingly came from behind to beat Germany in their opening match but then unexpectedly lost 0-1 to Costa Rica.

Japan will be without two players: Takefusa Kubo and Shuto Machino. The pre-match training session was also delayed by 30 minutes due to traffic congestion after heavy rain flooded some roads in Monterrey, Mexico.

Meanwhile, following a 1-5 defeat to Sweden, Tunisia sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi and appointed Herve Renard. The French coach previously led Saudi Arabia against Japan in the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup.

Before the match, Renard advised players to stay away from social media, put aside criticism, and fight with pride. Renard said: "You spent four years to be here. We cannot let it all go to waste in just one week. Anyone can make mistakes, but I want to see how you react".

By Trung Thu