Star ace yet to recover from knee injury sustained in opener against Netherlands

Japan's Takefusa Kubo grimaces in pain during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F match between the Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 14 (local time). [Reuters/Yonhap]
Japan's Takefusa Kubo grimaces in pain during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F match between the Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 14 (local time). [Reuters/Yonhap]

Takefusa Kubo, Japan's Europe-based ace at Real Sociedad in Spain's La Liga, will miss the team's final group-stage match at the 2026 North America World Cup.

Japanese sports outlet Nikkan Sports reported Thursday that Kubo "remained at the base camp," confirming he will not travel with the squad for the decisive fixture.

Japan faces Sweden in their Group F finale at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday. Kubo stayed at the base camp rather than joining the squad ahead of the Sweden match due to a knee injury.

Kubo sustained the injury during Japan's opening match against the Netherlands and also missed the second group game against Tunisia. He was hurt in a collision with Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries while competing for the ball and collapsed to the ground immediately afterward, showing visible signs of severe pain.

Widely regarded as Japan's most important player, Kubo's continued absence has disrupted the team's preparations for the must-not-lose finale.

Japan currently sit second in Group F and need at least a draw against Sweden to advance to the round of 32. Sports analytics firm Opta puts Japan's probability of winning at 52.7 percent.


hyuk@heraldcorp.com