Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Takefusa Kubo across Football, Soccer.
Japan’s midfield stalwart Ao Tanaka cautions teammates about Sweden’s striking threat, while reflecting on his own contributions and the team’s preparations for the decisive match.
The Athletic offers daily forecasts for the tournament, featuring expert insights, fan predictions and a unique leaderboard that tracks accuracy.
Japan routed Tunisia 4-0 in a Group F match, ending a winless streak in overseas second‑match appearances and positioning themselves strongly for round‑of‑32 qualification. The Netherlands also defeated Sweden 5-1, intensifying the race for advancement.
The Athletic’s daily World Cup predictions blend expert insight with a playful competition, recapping Matchday 9’s key results and previewing the decisive fixtures of Matchday 10.
Takefusa Kubo was forced out of Japan's opening World Cup game against the Netherlands with a left knee injury, leaving the squad without one of its key attackers as they prepare for their next opponent.
In a tightly contested match in Arlington, Japan came from behind twice to share the points with the Netherlands, highlighted by Daichi Kamada’s late equaliser and manager Hajime Moriyasu’s praise of his side’s resilience.
A late equaliser from Daichi Kamada salvages a point for Japan against the Netherlands, highlighting resilience and tactical adjustments.
Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw in their World Cup opener, highlighted by Daichi Kamada's 88th‑minute equaliser.
Japan’s second‑half resurgence forced a 2‑2 stalemate with the Netherlands, a result that highlighted both teams’ strategic adjustments and the tournament’s growing competitiveness.
The Japanese national team arrived in Nashville for World Cup preparation, holding an open session at Geodis Park and planning a prolonged stay at Nashville SC's facility while targeting a historic advance past the round of 16.
The Sashiko Gals are crafting a custom hand‑stitched jersey for Japan's national team, dedicating each intricate stitch to star player Takefusa Kubo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Japan's football culture is built around unity, technical skill and a distinctive fan behavior that sets it apart on the world stage.
Japan secured a 1-0 victory over Iceland in a friendly ahead of their opening World Cup match against the Netherlands on June 14, with manager Hajime Moriyasu overseeing a high‑tempo send‑off.