FIFA World Cup 2026: No Kubo Takefusa, no problem? Japan's moment of truth is here

On the eve of Japan’s FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Brazil, Kubo Takefusa had this to say about his left-knee injury that has kept him out of the last two games:

“I’m good.”

However, since going down in Japan’s tournament-opening draw with the Netherlands, he has been limited to rehab work and some running on his own. His knee is heavily taped up, and he has played very little football.

Japan coach Moriyasu Hajime said on Sunday (28 June) that the Real Sociedad playmaker will not play in the Brazil game, which is captivating an entire nation who will stay up until 1 am to watch and perhaps be thinking - what if?

“I’m hoping for a speedy recovery and he’s doing everything he can to pick up his conditioning,” Moriyasu said during the pre-match press conference.

But does Kubo’s absence spell doom for Japan, who have boldly declared that not only do they think they can beat Brazil, but are out to win the World Cup?

Maybe, maybe not.

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There is little doubt that Japan are a better team with Kubo than without. The 25-year-old has flair and a bit of magic in his left foot that his team-mates do not have.

Kubo had been asserting himself as one of Japan’s leaders after Mitoma Kaoru, captain Endo Wataru and Minamino Takumi were ruled out due to injuries, and his presence was being felt throughout the Japanese camp.

That said, Japan’s backbone has been their squad depth. Others can step in without the quality noticeably tailing off. As evidence, Moriyasu has played all but three of his 26-man squad, two of them being the backup keepers

The next-man-up mentality one often hears in sport is not just a cliché for Japan. It’s real.

When it comes to the match-up with Brazil, Japan are not backing down. When asked who he thought the strongest teams at this World Cup were, Wolfsburg striker Shiogai Kento mentioned France and Argentina - but not Brazil.

“You don’t really hear about Brazil lately,” he said.

Asked about Neymar, who has scored nine goals in five previous games against Japan, Shiogai said, “That’s Neymar of the old. I think we’re OK right now.”

When the J.League launched 33 years ago to finally usher in professional football in Japan, Brazil were the standard setters. Japanese players and the public were in awe of the Selecao and Joga Bonito.

Clearly, that has changed. Comments like Shiogai's would have been unthinkable back in 1993.

But will the result change? We’re about to find out.

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