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Kaoru Mitoma can secure a second World Cup place – and potentially give Albion an FA Cup boost. The Seagulls’ winger has been confirmed in the Japan squad for the international window which should see them secure their place in the North America tournament of 2026. Japan are on the brink of qualification ahead of two qualifiers in Saitama.
They face Bahrain next Thursday when a win – possibly even a point – would see them through. Speculation in Japan is that boss Masakuni Yamamoto could then rotate his squad for the game against Saudi Arabia on March 25 if qualification has been secured. TONY BLOOM INVESTS IN TOP-FLIGHT CLUB Yamamoto himself has pointed out that all results matter in terms of FIFA rankings, which will impact the seeding for the draw for the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
However he will be in a better position to share minutes around If The Samurai Blue are already through. Mitoma enjoyed some magical moments at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, although it ended in tears after defeat by Croatia on penalties. Albion will be keeping a close eye on their globetrotting stars ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, March 29.
Mitoma will have the time difference on his side as he heads back west. THE TERRACE: OPENING DATE CONFIRMED AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED ON ALBION'S NEW FAN ZONE Perhaps the biggest concern will be over what is going on in South America, where qualifiers end at about 2am on Wednesday, March 26 our time. Joao Pedro will be with the Brazil squad who face Argentina in Buenos Aires.
At the same time, Diego Gomez and Paraguay will be completing their fixture away to Colombia in Baranquilla while Pervis Estupinan and Ecuador face Chile in Santiago..
