'Japanese Messi' Kubo ruled out of Brazil showdown

Japan will be without star winger Takefusa Kubo for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Brazil on Monday in Houston, with coach Hajime Moriyasu confirming that the "Japanese Messi" has yet to recover from a knee injury.

Kubo suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee during Japan's tournament opener against the Netherlands on June 14 and has since missed the Samurai Blue's remaining Group F fixtures against Tunisia and Sweden.

The 25-year-old trained separately from the squad during Sunday's session that was open to the media, but Moriyasu later dispelled any hopes of the winger featuring against the five-time world champions.

"He's still only doing individual running and training, so he's not going to play in the match against Brazil," Moriyasu said.

"We really wish for him to recover swiftly, and he wishes it, too."

Despite Kubo's absence, Japan finished second in Group F to secure their place in the knockout stages, continuing a remarkable run that has seen them reach the last 32 in three consecutive World Cups and four of the last five editions.

However, Moriyasu acknowledged that Brazil represent one of the toughest challenges in international football.

"Brazil are always a leading team," he said. "They have a very good chance of winning. Some people will say Japan are underdogs. We will play with that in mind."

The Japan coach, however, insisted his side would not be overawed by the occasion and pointed to their upset victory over Brazil in a friendly last year as a source of belief.

"We will respect the opponents but like last year we weren't given a chance to win," Moriyasu said. "This possibility to win -- we can change history."

With Kubo sidelined, Japan will need another collective effort if they are to spring a surprise against tournament favourites Brazil and keep their World Cup dream alive.