Japan's Takefusa Kubo Injures Knee in World Cup Draw vs Netherlands
In a 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match in Dallas, Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands. Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo assisted Japan's first equalizer but was forced off in the 75th minute after a collision with Denzel Dumfries. He left the stadium in a wheelchair with a suspected knee sprain. Coach Moriyasu confirmed Kubo could walk but his availability for the next match against Tunisia is uncertain, casting doubt on Japan's campaign.
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Takefusa Kubo Likely to Miss World Cup Knockout Match Against Brazil Due to Knee Injury
According to Japanese media outlet Gekisaka, citing reporter Jiang Guosen, Japan national team winger Takefusa Kubo is likely to remain unavailable for the Round of 32 knockout match against Brazil on June 29. Kubo injured his left knee during the group stage match against the Netherlands on June 14. He has already missed matches against Tunisia and Sweden and did not travel with the team to the competition venue. On June 26, Kubo appeared midway through training at the team's base in Nashville but only engaged in individual recovery exercises such as jogging, stretching, and light sprints. He did not join full team practice. With only three days until the Brazil match, the report indicates Kubo is expected to continue missing this crucial game.
虎扑 - 足球Kubo to Miss Japan's World Cup Group Stage Finale, Targets Knockout Return
Japan national team star Takefusa Kubo will not travel with the Samurai Blue to Dallas for their final World Cup group stage match against Sweden on June 24, 2026. He will remain at the team's headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, due to a muscle problem in his left knee sustained during the match against the Netherlands on June 15. Kubo already missed the match against Tunisia. According to a Japan Football Association spokesperson, he is not expected to be ready for the Sweden game. Defender Yuto Nagatomo expressed confidence that Kubo will return for the knockout stage, urging the team to win for his sake. Japan is competing for qualification to the round of 16 in this match.
FútbolAlarm over Takefusa Kubo: MRI confirms knee injury during World Cup
Takefusa Kubo, Real Sociedad winger and Japan national team star, has suffered a left knee injury confirmed by MRI after a hard tackle by Denzel Dumfries in Japan's World Cup group stage match against the Netherlands (2-2). Kubo was substituted in the final minutes, was seen limping and needing a wheelchair post-match. The Japan Football Association has not disclosed the severity of the injury but confirmed Kubo will remain with the team in the United States for rehabilitation, missing the crucial second group match against Tunisia. The coaching staff hopes he can return for later World Cup stages if recovery timelines allow.
FútbolJapan Football Association: Takefusa Kubo Injures Left Knee, Will Miss Tunisia Match
The Japan Football Association announced that midfielder Takefusa Kubo has suffered a left knee injury, confirmed by an MRI after the match against the Netherlands. Although he will not leave the team, he will miss the upcoming group stage match against Tunisia. Kubo was injured in the second half of the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands following contact with an opponent and was seen leaving the field in a wheelchair. He is staying at the hotel with a trainer for treatment and rehabilitation. Additionally, forward Ayase Ueda did not participate in group training on June 17 due to fatigue management, instead doing individual adjustment training. The Japanese national team is preparing for the World Cup at their training base in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
虎扑 - 足球Takefusa Kubo Likely to Miss Japan's World Cup Group Stage Despite Avoiding Serious Long-Term Injury
Japanese national team midfielder Takefusa Kubo injured his left knee during a World Cup group stage match against the Netherlands, forcing an early exit. According to Japan's Sports Hochi, Kubo did not appear at team training afterward and underwent an MRI to assess the damage. While he has largely avoided a long-term absence (e.g., ligament tear), he is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, making it highly unlikely he will play in the remaining group stage matches against Tunisia and Sweden. The injury occurred after a collision in the 25th minute of the second half, with his knee bending inward. He left the stadium in a wheelchair as a precaution but can now walk normally. Because FIFA's 24-hour substitution deadline before the tournament's first match has passed, Japan will likely compete with a 25-man squad for the next two games.
虎扑 - 足球Takefusa Kubo Misses Training with Japan; Teammate Offers Hopeful Update on Knee Injury
Uncertainty surrounds Japan national team star Takefusa Kubo after he missed a recovery training session following a demanding 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in the World Cup. The Real Sociedad winger, dealing with a joint issue, was held out by medical staff as a precaution while awaiting final test results to determine if there is structural damage or just a heavy knock. Despite the concern, Japan defender Kō Itakura told media that Kubo reported feeling better in his knee than the previous day and was walking normally, expressing hope it is a minor injury. The Japanese camp is taking all precautions to avoid worsening the condition that could sideline the talented attacker for the rest of the tournament.
FútbolInjury update: Japan's Takefusa Kubo leaves World Cup match in wheelchair after knee injury
Japan winger Takefusa Kubo sustained a serious-looking knee injury during the 2-2 World Cup draw against Netherlands in Dallas. The Real Sociedad star was forced off in the 75th minute after a collision with Denzel Dumfries. Although he initially walked off gingerly, Kubo was later seen in a wheelchair within the stadium. The Japanese Football Association confirmed he did not go to hospital but will be assessed internally at the team base in Nashville. Kubo posted an optimistic Instagram message saying 'We're just getting started.' Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said he had not received a detailed medical report but hoped it was minor. Japan's next match is against Tunisia on Saturday. The article also notes Japan was already without Wataru Endo due to an ankle injury.
Mirror - FootballKubo Provides Update After Injury from Dumfries Tackle in World Cup Debut
Take Kubo, the Real Sociedad winger playing for Japan, had a difficult World Cup debut against the Netherlands, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Kubo assisted Japan's first goal but was forced off the field in the 75th minute after a hard tackle by Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries. An image of Kubo in a wheelchair circulated on social media, raising concerns about his condition. However, while leaving the pitch, Kubo spoke to DAZN and attempted to reassure fans, stating, 'I think I'm okay. I don't know what happened to me, I don't know, honestly. I think they caught me from all sides. I think I'm okay, we'll see.' The incident has become a talking point in the aftermath of the match.
FútbolTakefusa Kubo Leaves Stadium in Wheelchair After Knee Injury in Japan vs. Netherlands Match
Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo was forced off in the 75th minute of a match against the Netherlands after a collision with Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries. He was seen with an ice pack on his knee, unable to bear weight on his left foot, and later left the Dallas stadium in a wheelchair, suspected of a right knee sprain. Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu stated Kubo could walk on his own and hoped the injury was not serious, but his availability for the next match on June 21 remains uncertain. Further medical exams will determine if it is a hematoma or a more serious inner left knee injury.
虎扑 - 足球Japan Coach Moriyasu: Kubo Can Walk but Next Match Status Uncertain After Injury
In the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, Japan (ranked 18th) drew 2-2 with the Netherlands (ranked 8th) after coming from behind twice. However, midfield core Takefusa Kubo, who plays for Real Sociedad, was substituted in the 30th minute of the second half due to injury. The injury occurred after contact with an opponent on the left flank; Kubo briefly tested his condition by jogging but then signaled for substitution. During an earlier water break, he had repeatedly stretched his leg. Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu stated he had not received a detailed medical report but saw Kubo walking on his own, hoping it is minor. Whether Kubo can play in the next match remains uncertain, casting a shadow over Japan's campaign.
虎扑 - 足球Take Kubo Injures Knee in World Cup Debut for Japan Against Netherlands
Take Kubo, Real Sociedad winger, made his World Cup debut as a starter for Japan against the Netherlands. After a tactical first half, the Netherlands took the lead early in the second half. Kubo responded by creating Japan's equalizer, setting up Keito Nakamura for a precise shot in the 64th minute. However, the Dutch regained the lead 2-1 shortly after. In the 70th minute, Kubo suffered a strong collision with Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries, injuring his knee. Despite attempting to continue, he was forced to withdraw and was substituted. He later limped onto the pitch to celebrate Japan's late equalizer with ice on his knee, raising alarms within Real Sociedad and the Japanese national team about the severity of the injury.
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