After Japan's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 (North, Central America and Caribbean), Tomiyasu spoke about the loss and his future.

In the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Japan lost to Brazil 1-2 and was eliminated. The night after the intense match, Japanese players were interviewed in Houston. Tomiyasu, who returned to the starting lineup after two years and played the entire match, reviewed the match footage. He reflected on the decisive goal conceded during stoppage time, his voice filled with regret.

"In terms of match fitness, I really need to sharpen my form. In those crucial final moments, the important moments, I couldn't perform at my best. I feel that the accumulation of the past two years clearly showed itself in that moment."

Japan's losing goal stemmed from losing possession in their own half. When the ball reached Guimarães in midfield, Tomiyasu was positioned in front of him. Guimarães then played the final pass, and Martinelli scored the decisive goal.

"If I had been in good form, I would have definitely handled that ball. Looking at that moment alone, I really lost the battle for the ball and felt my own shortcomings. However, that decision was mine, and as a result, I couldn't keep up. Ultimately, it comes down to insufficient ability. If my daily environment were different, if I faced such scenarios every day, things might be different. In fact, I think I was in such an environment when I was at Arsenal. In that case, that ball should have been handled without any issues."

Tomiyasu, facing Guimarães in midfield, chose to block the shot but failed to cut out the final pass.

"When I'm truly in good form, I think about where he might pass the ball. So while I step forward to block the shot, I also shift my weight in that direction to prepare to intercept the pass."

Due to a recurrence of his right knee injury, Tomiyasu left Arsenal in July 2023. After six months unable to play, he joined Ajax and returned to the national team in this tournament after approximately two years. He started in the group stage match against Tunisia and this match against Brazil. For him, this was a World Cup after overcoming adversity.

"The result didn't go as hoped, so saying 'I gave my all' now sounds a bit like an excuse. But I really did play with everything I had. Through this process, I directly felt my own limitations. Because I hadn't played for about a year and a half, I also felt joy in being able to play. Being able to play is not a given, and I think this is the beginning of the second chapter of my career. In that sense, I feel I'm moving toward the future."

After accepting the defeat, Tomiyasu has also developed a strong desire to place himself in a "more demanding environment."

"In modern football, the highest level and the best is the Premier League. I really did spend time there, and of course, I know how demanding it is. Although I don't know if I'll get the opportunity, after this match, I think that within what's conceivably possible, the most demanding environment is probably there."

Tomiyasu's contract with Ajax was confirmed to expire after the previous season. Now, with Japan's elimination in the Round of 16, Tomiyasu has also set his sights on returning to the world's highest level, the Premier League, to prepare for a new challenge.

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