Japanese media outlets uniformly reported that Kubo's chances of playing in the second group stage match are virtually hopeless, following MRI results confirming his injury.

*This content was translated by AI.

It appears increasingly unlikely that Takefusa Kubo (25, Real Sociedad), a key attacking player for the Japanese national football team, will be able to participate in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup.

On the 18th, Japanese media outlets including Nikkan Sports and Chunichi Sports uniformly reported that "Kubo's chances of playing in the second group stage match of the World Cup are virtually hopeless."

According to local reports, the Japan Football Association announced that an MRI examination confirmed Kubo's left knee injury. Details such as the specific name of the injury have not been disclosed.

Kubo has not appeared at the training ground in preparation for the Tunisia match and is focusing on treatment at his accommodation. However, local sources explain that he is not leaving the team due to the injury and plans to concentrate on treatment and rehabilitation to return as quickly as possible.

Earlier, Kubo started in the first match of the tournament's group stage F on the 15th at the Dallas Stadium in the United States, but after colliding with an opponent in the second half, he collapsed and was substituted in the 30th minute of the second half. Immediately after collapsing, he complained of pain and eventually signaled for his own substitution to the bench, ending his match.

Contrary to initial expectations that the injury was not serious, concerns in Japan grew after Kubo was spotted leaving the stadium in a wheelchair after the match. Subsequently, Kubo underwent an MRI examination and other checks for his knee injury at a local hospital. A U.S.-based injury specialist website speculated on the possibility of ligament damage for Kubo, even suggesting that he might be sidelined for three weeks in the worst-case scenario.

If Kubo's return is delayed, it will inevitably result in a significant loss of strength for the Japanese national team. Although his performance has been somewhat subdued this season, Kubo has previously demonstrated his status as a top-tier winger in Spain's La Liga by recording double-digit attacking points for three consecutive seasons. He has also continued to serve as a key resource for the Japanese national team for a long time.

Moreover, the Japanese national team has been plagued by injuries since the approach of the World Cup. Key players such as Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion), Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco), and Wataru Endo (Liverpool) have already been excluded from the World Cup roster due to injuries. If Kubo is also forced to withdraw during the tournament, head coach Hajime Moriyasu's concerns will inevitably deepen.

Meanwhile, Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands at the time, placing them in second place in Group F. The top of the group is held by Sweden, which defeated Tunisia 5-1. Following the heavy defeat against Sweden, Tunisia dismissed its coach and recently appointed Hervé Renard as the new manager. The match between Japan and Tunisia, which will also be Renard's debut as coach, will be held at 1 p.m. on the 21st at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.

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*This content was translated by AI.