Takefusa Kubo - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Could return in knockout stages Kubo (knee) suffered a minor sprain and is not expected to feature in the next few matches, though a return later in the tournament remains possible, according to Eric Bretos, the...

Impact Kubo injured his left knee in Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands and will miss the next few matches, though the injury is not believed to be serious and is being described as a mild sprain. He could target a return in the knockout stage if Japan advance. He had started as a right sided forward and assisted the equalizer before going down in a second half collision that forced his substitution. An MRI in Tennessee confirmed he would remain with the squad, though he did not travel with the team for the match against Tunisia.

15 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Still with squad, group stage in jeopardy Kubo (knee) is staying with the Japanese squad but is in jeopardy of missing the group stage, according to JFA Officals, per Football Zone. We are not disclosing the full recovery...

Impact Kubo is still recovering from a knee injury as he didn't train today, although he has remained with the squad despite his possible absence. This is encouraging for the attacker, as it appears a return to this tournament is likely. However, this may depend on whether Japan can qualify for the knockouts, as it now appears a group stage return for Kubo could be unlikely. Either way, he will be doing his best to cure his knee and return as soon as possible.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Not training Wednesday Kubo (knee) didn't take part in training Wednesday, per SportsHochi.

Impact Kubo wasn't involved in training during Wednesday's session and is set for a scan. He's not going to depart the squad, but it's more likely than not he plays no part during the next match vs. Tunisia. Junya Ito could come into the starting XI in place of Kubo.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Status uncertain after blow Kubo (knee) was able to walk off the field after suffering an injury in Sunday's draw with the Netherlands and commented about his condition "I don't know, I really don't know. I t...

Impact Kubo appeared to take a knock to the knee and received medical treatment before his exit from the game, in which he set up the first of Japan's goals. While the attacker is hopeful to avoid a major issue, he'll need to be assessed and could be at risk of missing the next World Cup matchup against Tunisia. His absence would significantly limit the team's dribbling talent and would be covered by either Junya Ito or Sunday's assist contributor Koki Ogawa.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Off with knee injury Kubo was taken off the field in the 70th minute of Sunday's match against the Netherlands due to an apparent knee injury.

Impact Kubo looked to be struggling at times in the second half Sunday, which would lead to his eventual exit, leaving the field with medical attention and ice on his knee. This is a major storyline to watch for the team as they advance in the tournament, as he is a major part of the attack, their star young talent. He was replaced by Koji Ogawa after starting in the center of the attacking midfield, a possible replacement if he misses further time.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Creative heartbeat of Japan Kubo has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to be the primary attacking threat and creative force for the Samurai Blue throughout the competition.

Impact Kubo made 24 La Liga appearances for Real Sociedad this season, contributing two goals and four assists while also winning the Copa del Rey in what was a positive if injury-affected campaign for the young winger. The left-footed right winger brings dribbling ability, quick feet and a creative vision that makes him Japan's most dangerous individual attacker, and manager Moriyasu will build much of Japan's attacking play around his ability to create chances and unlock defenses with his technical brilliance. Kubo heads into the World Cup as the player the entire nation will be watching most closely, and a deep run at the tournament could finally establish him as one of the best players in the world.

JUNE 2 • ROTOWIRE

Makes first start since January Kubo crossed once inaccurately, created a chance and made two interceptions during Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Getafe.

Impact Kubo was held off the scoresheet while tying for the team-high in interceptions. Kubo has combined for an assist, three chances created and two crosses since returning from a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. Wednesday was the attacker's first league start since January.

APRIL 24 • ROTOWIRE

Headed assist in draw Kubo assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Deportivo Alaves. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 64th minute.

Impact Kubo's header back across the face of goal Saturday setup Real Sociedad's third goal in their 3-3 draw versus Deportivo Alaves. The assist marks a triumphant return for the attacker who has been absent since January due to a hamstring injury. Once his fitness has been rebuilt, expect Kubo to challenge Ander Barrenetxea or Goncalo Guedes for a place in the Real Sociedad starting XI.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Back after two-month absence Kubo (hamstring) completed his first full unrestricted training session Monday and is set to come off the bench for Saturday's clash against Levante, according to Benat Barreto of...

Impact Kubo tore his left hamstring in mid-January and spent time in Japan working with trusted physiotherapists before gradually building back up through gym work and individual sessions. The Japanese winger has been back in group training for nearly two weeks, with Monday marking his first session without any restrictions. His return is a major boost for Real Sociedad heading into the final stretch of the season, though he will not be thrown straight into the starting lineup given the length of his absence, with Goncalo Guedes and Ander Barrenetxea having locked down the wide roles during his time away. Still, even half an hour of Kubo off the bench could be a game-changer for coach Matarazzo's side.

APRIL 1 • ROTOWIRE

Training with ball Kubo (hamstring) was spotted in training with the ball Thursday, the club posted.

Impact Kubo has entered a new phase of his rehabilitation and is now working individually with the ball, though he will still need around three weeks before returning to competition. The Japanese winger is an undisputed starter on the right flank, and his return in the coming weeks could provide a boost during the final stretch of the Liga campaign.

FEBRUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Hamstring injury confirmed Kubo is out for the time being due to a hamstring injury, according to his club.

Impact Kubo had to be stretchered off the field Sunday and will now face a further absence after testing, with the attacker suffering a hamstring injury. The club has yet to give a return date, but after the initial views, it is likely he misses at least a month as he recovers. The club has yet to state if he will need surgery or not, although this will force a change either way, with Goncalo Guedes likely to take over on the right while Ander Barrenetxea starts on the left.

JANUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Stretchered off Sunday Kubo was stretchered off in the 69th minute of Sunday's 2-1 victory against Barcelona due to an apparent significant hamstring injury, according to Marca.

Impact Kubo suffered an apparent significant hamstring injury during Sunday's victory against Barcelona and was stretchered off in the 69th minute of the game. The right winger will be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury and how much time he will need to recover. This is a blow for the Basques, since the Japanese winger had been returning to form and started the last seven La Liga games. His absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Ander Barrenetxea the main option to start in the frontline during his time out.

JANUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Barcelona's 11-game winning streak ends with 2-1 loss at Real Sociedad in Spanish league

Barcelona’s 11-game winning streak in all competitions has ended with a 2-1 loss at Real Sociedad in the Spanish league

JANUARY 18 • Associated Press

One corner in 2-1 win Kubo assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Friday's 2-1 win against Getafe.

Impact Kubo provided an assist for the team's second goal in the match. It was his third assist in the league campaign. Kubo produced three crosses, but only one was accurate.

JANUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Very effective Sunday Kubo assisted once to go with three shots (three on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid.

Impact Kubo had a brilliant performance Sunday, not only assisting but also having three key passes, shots on target and tackles won with four successful dribbles in the process. His recent form as been top tier, scoring once with two assists in the last five league appearances, collecting six shots on target, 12 key passes and 13 successful dribbles in that span.

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

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JANUARY 2 • FOX SPORTS

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Scores header in draw Kubo scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Levante.

Impact Kubo scored his second goal of the season with a well-taken header after a crucial chance created by Goncalo Guedes. Operating from the right flank, he has registered 21 shots and created 19 chances, but has directly contributed to just three goals so far. There is clear attacking upside in his play, though the end product has yet to fully follow, leaving him on pace for roughly four goals across 30 league matches. Kubo will now face a tough test against Atletico Madrid, who sit third in the table, as he looks to deliver a strong performance for a Sociedad side currently struggling in 16th place.

DECEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ineffective vs. Alaves Kubo recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 loss against Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Kubo was a non-factor for Real Sociedad in this match. The Japanese winger has failed to make a big impact in the final third since returning from injury, and he hasn't scored since the first game of the campaign. With only one goal and one assist as a regular starter, Kubo lacks a lot of fantasy upside at the moment.

DECEMBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Effective in loss Kubo assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Villarreal.

Impact Kubo had a solid outing Sunday, assisting once with three key passes and a tackle one. This was his first appearance on the scoresheet since the opening match, with the midfielder maintaining a rotational role for Real Sociedad.

DECEMBER 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Named on bench Kubo (ankle) is named on the bench for Saturday's derby against Athletic.

Impact Kubo returned to the bench after recovering from an ankle injury. Kubo had been dealing with the issue since September and played two matches through pain before being left out of the starting lineup in subsequent games. so it is not a surprise that he among the substitutes as the team takes a cautious approach, with his starting role in the coming weeks likely depending on how well he puts the injury behind him.

NOVEMBER 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Back available for derby Kubo (ankle) is back available for Saturday's derby against Athletic, the club posted.

Impact Kubo has fully recovered from his ankle injury and is back available for Saturday's Basques derby against Athletic. The forward missed the last two games and didn't start the two games prior to his injury, suggesting he might not return to a starting role just yet, as he is now facing the competition of Goncalo Guedes.

OCTOBER 31, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers ankle injury Kubo missed Sunday's 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo due to an ankle injury, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Impact Kubo couldn't make the match squad for Sunday's clash against the Celeste due to an ankle injury. The Japanese is going through a difficult phase dealing with injuries and losing his starting role in the last two games. He will hope to return fit soon to compete for his spot on the right flank that Goncalo Guedes is expected to keep until he is fully back.

OCTOBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Mixed start of season Kubo started the season with a goal in the opener and has been a regular starter before holding a bench role in the last two games for Real Sociedad.

Impact Kubo started the season well, scoring in the opener against Valencia and starting in five of the first six games. The Japanese winger, however, hasn't contributed to any goals since and seems to have lost his starting role on the right wing to newcomer Goncalo Guedes in the last two matches. Kubo recorded 10 shots, 10 chances created, and 20 crosses along with 12 corners in eight appearances, which are decent numbers on paper but not enough to convince new coach Sergio Francisco to start him in the last two outings. Kubo will hope to be more efficient after the international break if he wants to reclaim his role for the Basques.

OCTOBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Yamal enters game in the 58th minute with an assist in the 59th as Barcelona beats Real Sociedad

Lamine Yamal needed only a minute to make an impact in his return to action after an injury

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025 • Associated Press

Strong all-around showing Kubo recorded two shots (one on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and seven corners in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Oviedo.

Impact Even though he didn't log a goal or assist, the activity level for Kubo was encouraging. He'll need to have similar volume if Real Sociedad want to take points off Real Madrid after the international break on Sept. 13.

AUGUST 31, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Barcelona's 11-game winning streak ends with 2-1 loss at Real Sociedad in Spanish league

Japan World Cup 2026 Preview: Best Players, Roster, History

Yamal enters game in the 58th minute with an assist in the 59th as Barcelona beats Real Sociedad