Takefusa Kubo, a rising star in Japanese football, recently showcased his growing skills and international presence as he helps lead his national team toward the 2026 World Cup. Having impressed at his club, Real Sociedad, Kubo has been a key player for the "Samurai Blue" during the World Cup 2026 Asian final qualifiers.
On March 22, 2025, Kubo participated in a media session following Japan's decisive victory over Bahrain, which confirmed their remarkable eighth consecutive qualification for the World Cup. Dominating the qualifiers, the Japanese team has maintained an impressive record of six wins, one draw, along with 24 goals scored against just two conceded.
Looking ahead, Japan is prepared to face Saudi Arabia in their next qualifier match on March 25, 2025, at Saitama Stadium 2002. Kubo highlighted the significance of the upcoming game, stating, "The match will affect the pots for the World Cup," indicating its importance in determining Japan's position in the tournament.
Kubo is particularly determined to make the most out of their opportunity, as he urged his teammates to maintain focus despite having already secured a World Cup spot. He expressed, "Just because we have qualified does not mean we can relax; we aim for three points and a victory against Saudi Arabia." His encouraging mindset reflects a commitment to continuous improvement as part of the preparation for the global event.
As Kubo prepares for the challenges ahead, he emphasized the importance of individual performance at every level. "We all need to raise our individual levels and contribute significantly to our respective teams," he noted. This mindset mirrors his journey thus far, demonstrating his increased market value of 40 million euros (approximately 6.4 billion yen) as of March 2025, following an outstanding season where he scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 35 league games for Real Sociedad during the 2022/23 season.
Despite facing challenges, including reduced playing time this season and the team's overall struggles, Kubo's performance has not gone unnoticed. He earned accolades for scoring one goal and providing an assist against Bahrain, where he showcased not just his attacking prowess but also his contributions to defensive actions throughout the game.
Kubo, who honed his skills in the youth ranks of renowned FC Barcelona, is recognized as the "Japanese Messi," initially joining Real Madrid in 2019 from FC Tokyo but later clinching a permanent transfer to Real Sociedad in 2022. His journey illustrates his persistent evolution as a player. Following a career-high market value of 60 million euros in December 2023, Kubo remains determined to return to that peak, despite the current dip in form.
In the crucial Saudi Arabia encounter, Kubo and his teammates will strive to build upon their successful outing against Bahrain by asserting their dominance once again. The joy of contributing to their World Cup success is a poignant reminder of the team's overarching goal, which is not only to qualify but to perform well when the tournament begins.
As he leads the Samurai Blue into another competitive match, Kubo’s performance will continue to be pivotal. With a solid track record and a commitment to improvement, he aims not just for personal victories but also for collective triumphs that could set a precedent for future Japanese footballers on the world stage.
