▲ Takefusa Kubo, key forward for the Japan national football team
Takefusa Kubo (25, Real Sociedad), a key forward for the Japan national football team who sustained an injury during the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, will ultimately be sidelined for the second match.
Japan's Kyodo News reported today (June 19) that the Japan Football Association (JFA) announced, "Kubo will not be able to play in the team's second match of the tournament against Tunisia."
Japan is scheduled to face Tunisia in their second Group F match at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico at 1:00 PM on June 21 (Korea Standard Time).
A JFA spokesperson stated that Kubo is remaining at the team hotel and will not travel to Monterrey.
Kubo injured his left knee during the first match against the Netherlands on June 15, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
After being brought down by a strong tackle from Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries, he received treatment off the pitch before being substituted for Koki Ogawa in the 75th minute.
Kubo left the stadium in a wheelchair, raising concerns about his condition.
According to reports, Kubo underwent a detailed medical examination the following day.
After the entire team took a day off, he did not participate in the training session held on June 18 at the Japan national team's base camp near Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States.
The JFA stated that Kubo will remain with the national team to continue his recovery and rehabilitation.
However, they did not disclose a specific timeline for his return or the precise details of his injury.
Japanese media outlets are speculating that it may be difficult for Kubo to return during the group stage.
Meanwhile, the match between Japan and Tunisia will be the 1,000th game in the history of the FIFA World Cup, which began in Uruguay in 1930.
Tunisia, which sacked head coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 1-5 crushing defeat to Sweden in their opening match, has appointed fellow Frenchman Herve Renard to lead the team against Japan.
(Photo: Getty Images Korea)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.