Japan’s Takefusa Kubo has vowed to fill the World Cup void left by Kaoru Mitoma, who will miss the tournament with a heartbreaking late hamstring injury.
Winger Mitoma was left out of Japan’s squad on Friday after medical staff decided he did not have enough time to recover following Brighton’s 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League last weekend.
The 28-year-old is one of Japan’s best players and scored the winner in the 1-0 friendly win over England at Wembley in March.
Real Sociedad striker Kubo is also a key figure for Japan, and he vowed to step up after hearing Mitoma would not be sidelined in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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«His injury is so disappointing. I contacted him directly, but it is of course a difficult time for him; he is such an important player,» 24-year-old Kubo was quoted by Japanese media on Friday.
“I want to carry Mitoma’s feelings with me and give everything with an even greater sense of responsibility.”
Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia and will begin its campaign against the Dutch in Arlington, Texas, on June 14.
Kubo was included in coach Hajime Moriyasu’s 26-man squad after recovering from his own hamstring injury.
Kubo was injured in a match against Barcelona in January and returned for Sociedad in April. He said Mitoma reached out to him at that time to offer his support.
Kubo also said Japan cannot afford to dwell on the winger’s injury and backed others in the squad to make an impact.
“The replacement players will get their chance,” he said.
“We need to come together as one and for the sake of Mitoma I hope we can work together and make it a successful tournament.”
Published on May 16, 2026
