Panini sticker price for Kaoru Mitoma — World Cup 2026

Kaoru Mitoma, the dynamic Japanese winger from Brighton, was undoubtedly a player many collectors anticipated chasing in the Panini FIFA World Cup 2026 collection. Known for his mesmerizing dribbling and crucial goals, Mitoma has been a standout performer for both club and country, playing a key role in Japan's recent successes and their strong showing at the 2022 World Cup. His presence in the upcoming tournament was expected to generate high demand for his stickers, especially given Japan's potential to advance deep into the competition.

However, a significant development has impacted the market for his 2026 stickers: Mitoma suffered a hamstring injury recently and has unfortunately been ruled out of Japan's final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. While Panini albums are typically finalized and printed months in advance, meaning his sticker is likely included in the collection released on April 1, 2026, his absence from the tournament will undoubtedly temper collector enthusiasm and impact the sticker's market value. This situation presents a unique collecting scenario for a player of his caliber.