Tokyo, June 4: Japan winger Takefusa Kubo believes the lessons learned from the team’s heartbreaking FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 exit can help them finally break new ground and reach the quarter-finals at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Kubo, who was the youngest member of Japan’s squad in Qatar at 21, played a role in one of the nation’s most memorable World Cup campaigns as the Samurai Blue stunned former champions Germany and Spain before bowing out to Croatia in the Round of 16 on penalties.Now 25, the Real Sociedad star is expected to be one of the leaders of a Japanese side that secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup in impressive fashion and became the first nation to book its place at the tournament after the hosts.Reflecting on Japan’s growth since Qatar, Kubo said the team’s confidence has risen significantly during the qualifying campaign.
Japan have never advanced beyond the Round of 16 at a World Cup, and Kubo believes attention to detail will be crucial if they are to overcome that barrier in North America next year. (IANS)
