While the first days’ matches and early injury withdrawals won’t be announced until Friday, Hochi Sports reports there already has been one major withdrawal from the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament today…May Emperor’s Cup winner Wakatakakage is now OUT of July. Left thigh injury. It apparently happened Wednesday at Sadogatake Beya practice. He was hospitalized immediately and is still there following surgery. That means no title repeat and he will be demoted from Sekiwake after the tournament, but how long he will be out is unclear beyond the tournament.
More as it becomes available.