Japanese Star Takefusa Kubo Captivates in Mexico World Cup Camp
MONTERREY, MEXICO – During Japan’s pre-World Cup training camp in Monterrey, a standout performer has emerged: Takefusa Kubo, the 24-year-old midfielder currently playing for Real Sociedad. Kubo has garnered significant attention from international media, particularly Spanish-speaking outlets, due to his fluent command of the language.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Hajime Moriyasu, the Japanese national team is conducting rigorous training at the Monterrey club facilities. Following their sessions, players are engaging in interviews and media activities daily, attracting a large contingent of reporters.
Kubo Navigates Media Scrutiny with Ease
Amidst this bustling media environment, Kubo has been fielding questions from international journalists, demonstrating remarkable composure and skill. Japanese publication Soccer Digest Web reported on October 6th that Kubo adeptly responded to a variety of inquiries in fluent Spanish.
When asked about the challenges posed by frequent changes in training grounds, Kubo stated, “It’s not something to worry about excessively, but honestly, it’s a bit stressful. I’ve been contemplating the difference in pitch conditions between yesterday’s training and the venues for the World Cup matches.”
Players are known to be highly sensitive to the state of training pitches, as poor conditions can increase the risk of injuries. Kubo also acknowledged, “There are aspects of the training ground changes that I can understand, given that so many teams are arriving.”
World Cup Expansion and Competitive Landscape
This year’s North American World Cup marks a significant expansion, with a record 48 teams participating. This growth has led to intense competition for training camp locations.
Kubo’s Spanish Connection
Similar to South Korean national team player Kang-in Lee, Kubo developed his skills in Spain from a young age, allowing him to master the Spanish language. The two players share a close relationship.
Kubo’s football journey includes a stint in the Real Madrid youth system, and he currently plays as a key midfielder for Real Sociedad, a team that recently secured the Copa del Rey title for the 2025-2026 season.
Japan’s World Cup Aspirations
In the upcoming World Cup group stage, Japan is set to compete against the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. The Japanese team has set an ambitious target of reaching the quarterfinals or beyond in this tournament.
