Kubo Ruled Out of Japan's Remaining Group Matches After Knee Injury

Japan winger Takefusa Kubo will miss at least the remainder of the World Cup group stage after suffering a left knee injury during their opening match against the Netherlands on Monday. The Real Sociedad player was substituted in the 75th minute following a collision with Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries and left the stadium in a wheelchair. Medical scans confirmed the injury, ruling him out of Japan's upcoming matches against Tunisia on Sunday and Sweden on June 26. His availability for the knockout stage remains uncertain should Japan advance to the round of 32.

Kubo did not participate in team training on Wednesday as he remained at the team's hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, continuing recovery and rehabilitation under supervision. Japan Football Association officials declined to provide specific details about the injury or a timeframe for his potential return. Japan captain Ko Itakura acknowledged the situation, noting that Kubo had undergone medical assessment but was focusing on recovery ahead of the Tunisia test.

The 24-year-old's injury adds to a challenging season marked by previous setbacks. Kubo missed three and a half months earlier in the 2025-26 season with a serious muscle injury and had only recently returned to action, making a substitute appearance as Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey against Atlético Madrid on penalties.

Japan faces Tunisia on Saturday in Monterrey, Mexico, where the North African side will play under new manager Hervé Renard following a recent managerial change. Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu emphasized the team's need to adapt their tactical approach for the different challenge ahead. Japan's squad, which drew 2-2 with the Netherlands after scoring a late equalizer, will need to adjust without their attacking winger as they pursue advancement from what is proving a competitive group.