Japan’s Takefusa Kubo has vowed to fill the void left by Kaoru Mitoma, who will miss the tournament due to a last-minute hamstring injury. Mitoma was left out of Japan’s squad on Friday after medical staff determined he would not recover in time, following an injury picked up during Brighton & Hove Albion’s 3-0 win over Wolves last weekend. The 28-year-old, a key player for Japan, had earlier scored the winner in their 1-0 friendly victory over England at Wembley in March.

Takefusa Kubo, a key figure for Japan and an attacker for Real Sociedad, vowed to step up after learning that Kaoru Mitoma would miss the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“His injury is so disappointing. I got in touch with him directly, but naturally it’s a tough time for him; he’s such an important player,” the 24-year-old said, as reported by Japanese media. “I want to carry Mitoma’s feelings with me and give my all with an even greater sense of responsibility,” he added.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan Drawn With Netherlands In Group F

Japan has been drawn alongside the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F, opening their campaign against the Dutch in Arlington, Texas, on June 14. Kubo, who recently returned from a hamstring injury sustained against Barcelona in January, earned his place in coach Hajime Moriyasu’s 26-man squad after regaining fitness in April.

He revealed that Mitoma had supported him during his own recovery and stressed that the team must not dwell on the winger’s absence.

“The replacement players will get their chance,” he said. “We have to come together as one, and for Mitoma’s sake, I hope we can pull together and make this a successful tournament.”