Japan's Minamino ruptures ACL, World Cup campaign in doubt

Japan international Takumi Minamino's participation at next year's World Cup is in doubt after the midfielder's club, AS Monaco, confirmed he had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.

The 30-year-old suffered the injury while playing in Monaco's 2-1 win over Auxerre in the French Cup on Sunday.

"Our midfielder Takumi Minamino suffered an injury to his left knee," Monaco said in a statement on Monday.

"Medical examinations revealed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament."

ACL injuries typically rule players out for six to nine months, meaning Minamino is unlikely to recover in time for the World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

During the 32nd round of the Coupe de France match played in Auxerre, our midfielder Takumi Minamino suffered an injury to his left knee.

Medical examinations revealed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Takumi will be able to count on the support of the entire Club… pic.twitter.com/g58gvxkczn — AS Monaco EN 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco_EN) December 22, 2025

Japan are in Group F of the World Cup, where they will face the Netherlands, Tunisia and a playoff winner. Their opening match is set for June 14 against the Dutch in Dallas.

Minamino's injury is a massive blow for Japan, with the former Liverpool player having made 73 appearances and scored 26 goals for the Samurai Blue.

His absence will also impact Monaco's season, with the French side ninth in Ligue 1 and set to face Spain's Real Madrid and Italy's Juventus in the Champions League group stage next month.