Takefusa Kubo out of Japan squad vs Sweden at 2026 World Cup after knee problem

Kubo ruled out of Japan's final group game — who, when and why

Takefusa Kubo will not play for Japan against Sweden in their final 2026 World Cup group match on 25 June 2026 after picking up a knee problem in the draw with the Netherlands. The attacking midfielder also missed Japan’s earlier win over Tunisia and, according to the report, will not even be named on the bench for the Monterrey fixture. That absence reshapes selection options for manager Hajime Moriyasu at a critical moment for Japan’s progress in the tournament.

Why it matters

Kubo is one of Japan’s most creative attackers, and his unavailability reduces the manager’s options in midfield and in transition play. Japan go into the Sweden game with four points, and Moriyasu has made it clear he wants to win the group — a result that would influence the side’s World Cup path and which opponents they face in the knockout stages.

What the source says about the injury and selection

The report states Kubo sustained the knee issue during Japan’s draw with the Netherlands, leaving the field in the 75th minute because he could not continue. He did not feature in the victory over Tunisia and has now been left out of the squad for the Sweden match. The article does not supply a formal medical diagnosis or a recovery timetable.

Moriyasu on the task ahead and the prize for winning the group

Moriyasu stressed the importance of finishing top of the group. The manager said winning would not only secure a more favourable route in the knockout phase — specifically helping Japan avoid a potential meeting with Brazil — but would also bring the team back to a city they already know well and where they prepared before the tournament. Familiarity with the venue and pitch is one factor Moriyasu wants to use to his advantage.

On Sweden, Moriyasu described them as a tough opponent, noting their defensive organisation and pace in attack. He referenced Sweden’s frontline as a challenge for his defenders, naming strikers such as Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres as examples of the threats Japan must handle.

Match context and current status

According to the match data supplied, Japan face Sweden in a game currently in the second half with Japan leading 1-0. Japan already have four points in the group. Moriyasu’s immediate aim is to secure top spot to influence the team's route in the knockout rounds.

• Takefusa Kubo suffered a knee issue against the Netherlands and left the match in the 75th minute (source report).
• Kubo missed the previous Japan win over Tunisia and will not be available against Sweden, nor on the bench (source report).
• Moriyasu wants Japan to win the group — winning would help avoid Brazil and return Japan to a familiar host city (manager comments).
• Japan go into the Sweden game with four points; match data shows Japan leading Sweden 1-0 in the second half.

What it means for Japan's team selection and tactics

Kubo’s absence forces Moriyasu to choose alternatives in the attacking midfield and wide positions. Japan may look to rely on other creative midfielders or adjust to a more direct approach if they wish to protect the lead or secure the group win. The manager’s comments indicate a clear short-term focus: secure the result and the group’s top spot rather than speculate on player returns.

What happens next

There is no official medical update in the supplied material about Kubo’s prognosis beyond him missing the Sweden match. Japan will press for the result they need in Monterrey; after this fixture the next official steps for Kubo would normally be a club/FA medical assessment and any statement from Japan’s backroom staff. Those updates should be monitored for confirmation on his availability later in the tournament.