After an intriguing seven-month period, the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a close on Tuesday. With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, Asia will now have at least eight representatives at the tournament in two years’ time. The increase in competing nations has also seen a
Japan
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed on Tuesday that winger Kaoru Mitoma is likely to miss the rest of the season due to a back injury. This news comes as a blow to the team, as Mitoma has been a key player for Brighton, especially in their European football qualification last season. Mitoma’s absence will