Eintracht Frankfurt · Kirin Cup · Midfielder · #20 · Japan · 27 yrs
Eintracht Frankfurt attackers Jonathan Burkardt and Ritsu Doan have offered strong endorsements of new head coach Adi Hütter’s tactical work during the club’s preseason training camp in Grassau.B...
Why is Takefusa Kubo not starting for Japan vs Brazil today? Get the official injury update on the Real Sociedad star at the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. The highly anticipated Round of 32 clash between Japan and Brazil at Houston Stadium features a massive tactical missing piece for the Samurai Blue. Takefusa Kubo, the creative engine and Real Sociedad playmaker, has been left out of Hajime Moriyasu’s starting lineup for this do-or-die knockout match. The definitive reason behind his omission is a lingering left-knee injury. The 25-year-old midfielder originally sustained the injury during Japan’s intensely physical tournament-opening draw against the Netherlands, forcing him to miss the subsequent group-stage matches against Tunisia and Scotland. Kubo’s absence compounds an already devastating medical crisis for Japan. The Samurai Blue arrived in North America completely stripped of their core leadership group, with key stars Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, and veteran captain Wataru Endo all ruled out of the tournament due to severe pre-camp injuries. Projected Recovery Time: When Will Kubo Return? Because this knee injury involves a bone bruise and localized swelling rather than structural ligament damage, Kubo’s 2026 World Cup campaign is not officially over. Neither the player nor the Japan Football Association (JFA) have locked in a rigid medical timetable, opting instead to monitor his progress day by day. If the Samurai Blue can orchestrate an upset against Brazil without him, the medical staff is circling Friday, July 3, or Saturday, July 4 as a realistic target window for his return. This timeline would make him available for a potential Round of 16 appearance, giving his knee the critical rest required to clear the remaining inflammation and handle full-contact training. Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s Verdict There was a late surge of optimism in the Japanese camp just 24 hours before kickoff. On Sunday, June 28, Kubo was cleared by the medical staff to return to light group training for the first time since the opening matchday. Heavily taped up, the winger even expressed confidence to local media, stating he felt “in a good state.” However, manager Hajime Moriyasu opted for maximum caution during his pre-match press conference, choosing protectiveness over rushing his star asset back into an intense environment against a physical side like Brazil: “I’m hoping for a speedy recovery and he’s doing everything he can to pick up his conditioning, [but] he will not play in the Brazil game.” Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu (Getty Images). While Kubo has progressed enough to potentially earn a highly restricted, emergency seat on the substitutes’ bench, he lacks the competitive match fitness and tactical sharpness required to handle the tracking and defensive work rate demanded by the starting eleven. Tactical Adjustments: Who Fills the Void? Kubo’s absence forces a structural adjustment in Moriyasu’s transition blueprint. To compensate for the loss of Kubo’s elite half-space progression, the Samurai Blue will lean heavily on the technical versatility of Ritsu Doan. The tactical priority shifts toward maintaining a hyper-compact midfield block designed to disrupt Brazil’s passing channels before launching rapid counters through the wings.
Full preview of Japan for the 2026 tournament, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Japan enters the 2026 tournament as Asia’s premier soccer nation, carrying significant momentum and soaring expectations. Currently ranked 18th globally, the Samurai Blue are no longer viewed as a plucky underdog looking for an upset. Following dominant performances in qualifying and recent statement victories over top-tier opponents like Brazil and England, this seasoned roster expects to dictate play against elite competition. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this iteration of the national team can finally break through to the quarterfinals. This comprehensive World Cup 2026 team preview explores the squad’s tactical evolution under their veteran coach, the depth of their European-based roster, and their outlook for the upcoming group stage. Team profile CoachHajime MoriyasuCaptainWataru EndoNicknameSamurai BlueFIFA ranking18thConfederationAFCGroupFBest tournament resultRound of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)Tournament appearances7Last appearance2022 How Japan play Japan’s tactical identity has evolved significantly, shifting away from slow possession spells toward a highly organized, intense pressing system. The Japan formation typically lines up as a 4-2-3-1, though the coaching staff frequently transitions to a fluid 3-4-3 mid-game to neutralize elite opponents. This pragmatic approach relies heavily on fast transitions and disciplined low blocks when out of possession. The relentless work rates of forwards like Daizen Maeda allow the team to win the ball high up the pitch and launch immediate counter-attacks. In possession, they utilize technical superiority to break down organized defenses, leaning on inverted wingers to cut inside and create scoring opportunities. Defensively, the Samurai Blue are incredibly difficult to break down, evidenced by conceding just three times in 16 qualifying matches. While their technical ability helps them control games, a lack of aerial dominance remains a minor vulnerability against physical opponents. Ultimately, this intense, counter-attacking tactical approach makes them a formidable threat capable of making a deep run in the knockout rounds. Hajime Moriyasu: The coach behind Japan Hajime Moriyasu took charge in July 2018, establishing himself as the longest-serving Japan coach in the history of the national team. A former defensive midfielder who experienced the heartbreak of missing the 1994 tournament as a player, he has since built a remarkable resume on the touchline. Before leading the national side, he guided Sanfrecce Hiroshima to three domestic league titles. Known for his calm, stoic demeanor and meticulous note-taking during matches, Moriyasu is a decisive leader willing to make bold tactical adjustments under pressure. His leadership was instrumental during the 2022 cycle, earning him the distinction of being the first manager to guide the Samurai Blue through consecutive tournament cycles. His pragmatic philosophy and deep understanding of his roster will be crucial as he attempts to navigate the team into uncharted territory. Key player: Ritsu Dōan Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ritsu Dōan heads into the tournament as the creative focal point for the Samurai Blue. Now in his prime, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder has seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role following his breakout performances four years ago. Operating primarily as an inverted right-winger, his elite dribbling, low center of gravity, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. Ritsu Dōan of Japan (Getty Images). Dōan registered double-digit goal contributions during the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, proving his ability to handle pressure at the highest level. He excels at retaining possession in congested areas and provides the creative flair necessary to unlock organized European defenses. While his physical stature and aerial presence are limit
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