Japan boss makes big call on Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka before Brazil test

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·30 June 2026

Japan boss makes big call on Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka before Brazil test

Hajime Moriyasu has dropped Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka to the bench for Japan’s last-32 tie against Brazil tonight.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Tanaka is one of four Leeds players selected for this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, alongside Brenden Aaronson of the USA, Gabi Gudmundsson of Sweden and Noah Okafor of Switzerland.

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Tanaka began the tournament on the bench and was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with Netherlands in Japan’s group opener. He then played the full duration of the next two games as they booked a place in the last 32.

The midfielder impressed in the 4-0 win over Tunisia and the 1-1 draw with Sweden, as Japan finished second in Group F.

Kick-off is at six pm at Houston Stadium.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk