Japan's Kubo leaves in wheelchair after knee injury in 2-2 draw with Netherlands

Concerns are mounting over the knee injury sustained by Japan national team ace Kubo Takefusa during the country's opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match.

Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands on Monday in Group F at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.

The result was secured dramatically when Kamada Daichi equalized in the 88th minute, but the match was overshadowed by a major setback. Kubo went down clutching his knee in the 71st minute after a collision with Denzel Dumfries, and despite medical staff rushing onto the pitch, he was unable to continue.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Kubo went straight to the bench after the injury and had ice applied to his knee. He was later seen walking off the pitch unassisted, which initially suggested the injury might not be serious.

However, Kubo was subsequently spotted leaving the stadium in a wheelchair, deepening concerns about the severity of the injury. The outlet said further examination would determine whether the damage was a simple bruise or an injury to the inner knee.

Speaking to broadcaster DAZN after the match, Kubo said he was uncertain about the extent of the injury. "I think it'll be fine, but I'll need to monitor the condition a bit more," he said.

Japan head coach Moriyasu Hajime said he had yet to receive a detailed report from the medical staff. "Kubo said he could walk, and he did walk on his own, so I hope it's not a serious injury. At this point, it's hard to know the exact situation," he said.

Japan's next Group F match is against Tunisia on June 21.

송도 사람 다리 사건에, “아이 이름은 OO, 마트 여직원이 잘라” 글 확산

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