Kubo suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee during his national team’s 2026 World Cup debut against the Netherlands. Hajime Moriyasu told the press that, although he is recovering well, the winger will not be available from the beginning for Japan vs. Brazil at Houston Stadium.

“He’s still only doing individual running [and] training, so he’s not going to play in the match against Brazil,” the manager said via ESPN.com. “We really wish for him to recover swiftly, and he wishes it too.”

Japan, the underdogs

Japan’s current FIFA ranking places them well below their opponent. Is that enough to rule out their chances? Definitely not. In fact, the Blue Samurai are aiming to shock Brazil and pull off an upset in this tournament.

“In the world, Brazil are ranked at the top while Japan are not ranked that high — that is the way it is,” Moriyasu said ahead of the game that will determine whether Brazil or Japan make the Round of 16. “We are aiming to win the World Cup but we haven’t been at that level before. Of course, some people look at us and feel we’ve been doing well.“

He also added: “Brazil are always a leading team. They have a very good chance of winning. Some people will say Japan are underdogs. We will play with that in mind. We will respect the opponents but like last year [in the friendly win] we weren’t given a chance to win. This possibility to win — we can change history.“

Japan’s offensive line

For the upcoming match against Brazil, and with Zion Suzuki as their goalkeeper, Japan will deploy a potent offensive lineup spearheaded by Ayase Ueda as the lone reference striker up front. To unlock the Brazilian defense, the Samurai Blue will rely heavily on a dynamic supporting trio: Daichi Kamada pulling the strings in the playmaker role, alongside the blistering pace and clinical movement of Daizen Maeda and Keito Nakamura on the flanks.

Japan’s starting lineup: Zion Suzuki; Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Ritsu Doan (C), Daizen Maeda, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano; Ayase Ueda.

During their previous match against the Netherlands, Kubo suffered a knee injury that immediately raised alarms for the Samurai Blue. Unfortunately, this fitness setback has left him completely unavailable for the vital group finale against the Swedes.

According to camp reports, Kubo did not travel with the Japan to Dallas, instead remaining at their previous base in Nashville to focus on his rehabilitation. With Japan still actively fighting to secure the group leadership, his absence on the wing could prove to be a massive factor in this dynamic matchup.

A tough moment to lose a talisman

Japan’s destiny remains entirely in its own hands, with the permutations of a win, draw, or defeat dictating their final placement. However, losing a player of Kubo’s caliber right at the finish line of the group stage is a bitter pill to swallow.

The Real Sociedad winger is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Japan’s current generation—a true difference-maker capable of sparking the kind of historic knockout run the nation dreams of.

While missing him today is a structural blow, medical reports indicate that Kubo is expected to be fully fit and cleared for the Round of 32. Japan has not officially locked down its knockout ticket just yet. However, its strong goal differential means that even an unexpected defeat today would still leave the Samurai Blue in a premier position to advance as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Sweden resents a volatile final test

Led by the clinical form of powerhouse striker Viktor Gyokeres, the Blagult have had a rollercoaster tournament so far. They opened their World Cup campaign in breathtaking fashion by crushing Tunisia 5-1, only to be brought crashing back to earth by the exact same 5-1 scoreline against a ruthless Netherlands squad on Matchday 2.

The Europeans will be desperate to right the ship and claim the group leadership for themselves—a feat they can achieve with a victory over Japan, provided Tunisia pulls off an upset against the Dutch in the parallel fixture. Expect a high-intensity, physical battle from the very first whistle.

The Japanese national teamset up a meeting with Croatia for a place in the quarterfinals, a stage it has never reached at a World Cup so far. Therefore, this could be a historic game for Japanese soccer.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu has made three changes to the lineup, withTakefusa Kubo being dropped from the matchday squad. Check out why the winger is missing this crucial game.

Why is Takefusa Kubo not playing for Japan against Croatia

Takefusa Kubo has been ruled out for Japan’s game against Croatia due to injury. The Real Sociedad star had to be subbed off at halftime vs. Spain, and he missed training in the weekend.

Will Japan manage to advance without their star?Using this World Cup Predictor, you can see every potential outcome of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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Kubo started his youth career in Japan, but as a 10-year-oldhe moved upto Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia. After several issues with Barcelona’s recruitment, Kubo had to move back to Japan, where he would make his professional debut as a 15-year-old player. Then, he signed with Real Madrid to play with the B team in 2019.

However, since he signed for Los Blancos, Kubo has been through three loans to Mallorca two times, Villarreal, and Getafe. In those teams, Kubo didn’t have the playing minutes he or Real Madrid expected. So, after a deal made withReal Sociedad, the Japanese youngster finally found team where he could play more often.

Takefusa Kubo’s contract with Real Sociedad

According to latest reports regarding his contract signed with Real Sociedad,Takefusa Kubo’s current salary is an estimate of€1,000,000 per year. In fact, Real Sociedad owns 50% of Kubo’s total price, the other half is owned by Real Madrid, who actually paid him €2-million.

How much does Takefusa Kubomake a week?

Considering Kubo’s current€1-million annual salary, he currently earns an estimate amount of€83,330per month. That would make an estimate of€19,230 a week;€2,730a day;€114.70 per hour;or €1.90perminute.