Kubo, who was the youngest member of Japan\u2019s squad in Qatar at 21, played a role in one of the nation\u2019s 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on Japan\u2019s growth since Qatar, Kubo said the team\u2019s confidence has risen significantly during the qualifying campaign.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was around the fourth or fifth match of the Asian qualifiers. We\u2019d built up a lead of about six points, and it brought home for me how good we\u2019d become. I feel like we\u2019ve become more confident. It\u2019s not just the results, but also how we\u2019ve played and how cohesive we are as a team,\u201d Kubo told FIFA.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the success in Qatar, Kubo admitted the defeat to Croatia remains a painful memory and believes the match was lost long before the penalty shootout.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat game really showed me how difficult it is to change history. Whether it was our intensity in the match or minor details that we didn\u2019t 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAt the World Cup, matches are decided by small margins. I think it\u2019s really important to deal with every aspect of the game as thoroughly as possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The midfielder also highlighted the growing confidence within the squad, many of whom now play in top European leagues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAt the World Cup, matches are decided by small margins. I think it\u2019s really important to deal with every aspect of the game as thoroughly as possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Japan is placed in Group F in the FIFA World Cup 2026. They will face the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden in the first round.<\/p>\r\n\r\n