Kaoru Mitoma

Kaoru Mitoma is a Japanese forward currently with Brighton, where his game is defined by movement in the final third, pressing energy, and decisive end product. His move to Brighton has become a key chapter in a career built on attacking timing, penalty-area presence, and responsibility in decisive moments. For Japan, he has become part of a team built on speed, pressing, and technical detail across the pitch and is asked to turn limited chances into scoreboard pressure when tournament margins tighten. At World Cup 2026, the key question is whether Kaoru Mitoma can carry his club rhythm into the international stage, handle the physical tempo of the group, and deliver one or two decisive moments that change the shape of Japan's campaign.