Kubo misses Sweden clash as Japan eye the knockouts

Kubo out for Sweden

Takefusa Kubo will miss the decisive group match against Sweden. A Japan national team representative confirmed he is not even traveling to Dallas (2). No further details on the injury yet, but losing your most creative player before a match that could seal the round of sixteen is a blow.

Sweden lost, but they're not buried

Japan beat Sweden in the group stage, but the Swedish press is already mapping out how they still advance (1). The exact score was not in the source material. What matters: your team sits in a strong position after the 4–0 demolition of Tunisia and the 2–2 draw with Netherlands. One more result and the knockout stage is yours.