"Eventually even took a wheelchair": Japan soccer on high alert as ace Takefusa Kubo faces knee injury concerns

*This content was translated by AI.

The Japanese national soccer team, which drew with powerhouse Netherlands in the first match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup, is closely monitoring concerns over an injury to Takefusa Kubo (25, Real Sociedad). Although initially reported as not serious, the situation drew attention after he was spotted leaving the stadium on a wheelchair after the match.

Japanese media Sports Niche reported on the 15th that "Kubo left the stadium on a wheelchair after the match," adding that "according to a Japan Football Association official, Kubo will first undergo a check by medical staff before going to a hospital." Spanish media AS noted that "it was noticeable that Kubo had an ice pack only on one knee after the match and was putting weight on the opposite leg," and added that "the concern over the severity of the injury grew further after he was eventually seen taking a wheelchair."

According to photos released by Alberto Fernandez, a reporter for Spanish media Ondacero, on social media that day, Kubo was seen leaving the stadium with the help of a person believed to be a staff member of the Chae (CEO) team while seated in a wheelchair. It was reported that Kubo did not appear in the mixed zone after the match due to a knee condition check.

Kubo started in the Group F first-round match at Dallas Stadium in the United States that day but was substituted in the 30th minute of the second half after collapsing following a collision with an opponent. Immediately after falling, he expressed pain and walked off the field on his own to check his condition, but as the situation did not seem normal, he eventually signaled for a substitution from the bench and finished the match.

The scene captured after the match showed Kubo applying ice to his left knee. Hajime Moriyasu, head coach of the Japanese national team, said in a post-match press conference, "I hope it is a minor injury since he can walk on his own." However, since he was later spotted on a wheelchair after the match concluded, the Japanese soccer community has no choice but to remain on high alert.

Kubo is undeniably a key second-line resource for the Japanese national soccer team. Although he had a somewhat poor performance in the 2025-2026 season, he had been active as a top-tier winger in Spain's La Liga, recording double-digit attacking points for three consecutive seasons prior. Even on this day, he directly threatened the opponent's goal with a sharp long-range shot in the 22nd minute of the second half.

Moreover, the Japanese national team has already been plagued by the curse of injuries ahead of this World Cup. Key players such as Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion), Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco), and Wataru Endo (Liverpool) have been sidelined one after another due to injuries. If Kubo's injury is added during the tournament, Japan could lose another key player. Since the tournament has already begun, it is impossible to call up replacement players.

Meanwhile, Japan conceded an early goal to Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) in the 5th minute of the second half that day, but equalized with a goal from Keito Nakamura (Lens). However, they lost the lead again after conceding an additional goal to Crysencio Summerbell (West Ham United). In the 43rd minute of the second half, when defeat seemed imminent, Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) scored a dramatic equalizer in a corner kick situation, resulting in a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

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*This content was translated by AI.