At the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Takefusa Kubo was the youngest member of the Japanese squad, aged just 21. He became part of his nation’s footballing history as his nation defeated European heavyweights Germany and Spain before suffering a heartbreaking loss to Croatia on penalty kicks.
Fast-forward four years, and the starlet who once represented Japan's future now bears the weight of the nation on his shoulders.
took a big step forward in Qatar, overcoming two former world champions, and have racked up impressive results since. Their performances in the Asian qualifiers made them the first country to stamp their ticket to the .
Kubo himself noted how things have changed during the course of the qualifying campaign.
“It was around the fourth or fifth match of the Asian qualifiers. We’d built up a lead of about six points, and it brought home for me how good we’d become," Kubo said to FIFA. "I feel like we’ve become more confident. It’s not just the results, but also how we’ve played and how cohesive we are as a team.”
That confidence is one built on the back of their disappointment in Qatar. Japan have never managed to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup, and the match against Croatia served as the latest example of their inability to overcome the Round of 16.
“That game really showed me how difficult it is to change history,” Kubo said. However, in his mind, the tie wasn’t lost in the penalty shootout.
“Whether it was our intensity in the match or minor details that we didn’t get right, we definitely realised that we were missing something. The record books show that we lost on penalties, but I think there was a lot we could have done better in the 120 minutes that came before that.”
This is exactly why getting every little thing right will be vital in 2026.
“At the World Cup, matches are decided by small margins. I think it’s really important to deal with every aspect of the game as thoroughly as possible.”
In recent years, more and more Japanese internationals have made their way to top European leagues, and the team has gone toe to toe with illustrious opponents.
“We change our tactical approach based on who we’re playing, but mentally, we approach games the same way," he said. "Naturally, we always respect our opponent, but at the same time, we believe that we are fully capable of winning.
Kubo’s style of play is underpinned by his creativity. His greatest weapon is his ability to dribble in tight spaces and get beyond the opposition. He relishes expressing himself on the field and says he feels the most freedom when he beats a defender one-on-one.
"It's more than just freedom - it's when I feel most happy," said Kubo.
Still, Kubo understands that his role is just part of a larger whole. “Attacking players need to have creativity and flair, but I believe that this has to be built on discipline and an understanding of the team’s tactics. The only reason that forward players can play with freedom is because we have a solid defence behind us and structured positioning as a team.”
The Real Sociedad winger will turn 25 on 4 June. While he was the baby of the squad in Qatar, he now shoulders the responsibility of carrying Japan to their first-ever World Cup quarter-finals.
If the Asian heavyweights are to finally clear this hurdle, they will surely need to supplement their organisational strength with the kind of mercurial brilliance that can turn a game on its head. And there is no-one better equipped than Kubo to help them on their way.
Sources: FIFA Official
