Arlington [US], June 4 (ANI): Japanese midfielder Takefusa Kubo believes Japan have grown into a more confident side since the disappointing conclusion of their previous FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign, as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kubo, at just 21 years old, was the youngest player in Japan's squad at the 2022 WC. He played a role in a historic campaign that saw Japan stun European powerhouses Germany and Spain, before their remarkable run ended in a heartbreaking penalty-shootout defeat to Croatia.

Four years later, Takefusa Kubo now carries greater responsibility as Japan prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Since the World Cup in Qatar, Japan have continued to impress, delivering strong performances in the Asian qualifiers and becoming the first nation to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the FIFA website.

Kubo himself acknowledged the transformation the team has undergone throughout the qualifying campaign.

Kubo said Japan realized their growing strength around the middle of the Asian qualifying campaign when the team established a comfortable lead in the standings. He believes the squad has become more confident, crediting not only their positive results but also their improved performances and stronger team unity.

'It was around the fourth or fifth match of the Asian qualifiers. We'd built up a lead of about six points, and it brought home for me how good we'd become. I feel like we've become more confident. It's not just the results, but also how we've played and how cohesive we are as a team,' Kubo said as quoted by the FIFA website.

Japan's newfound confidence has emerged from the lessons learned in Qatar. Despite their impressive performances, Japan's campaign ended in familiar disappointment, as they once again fell short of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals. The defeat to Croatia marked another frustrating Round of 16 exit, extending Japan's long wait for a place in the last eight of the tournament.

Kubo said Japan's defeat to Croatia highlighted how difficult it is to make history at the World Cup. While the match was ultimately decided by penalties, he believes the team's shortcomings during the 120 minutes of play--including aspects of their intensity and attention to detail--were the real reasons they fell short.

'That 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't 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,' he said.

'At the World Cup, matches are decided by small margins. I think it's really important to deal with every aspect of the game as thoroughly as possible.' Kubo said.

Kubo explained that Japan adjust their tactics depending on the opposition but keeps the same mental approach in every match. He added that while the team respects all opponents, they also have a strong belief in their ability to win against anyone.

'We change our tactical approach based on who we're playing, but mentally, we approach games the same way. Naturally, we always respect our opponent, but at the same time, we believe that we are fully capable of winning,' he said.

Japan's World Cup 2026 fixtures and group

14 June: Netherlands vs Japan - Dallas Stadium

20 June: Tunisia vs Japan - Monterrey Stadium

25 June: Japan vs Sweden - Dallas Stadium

Japan's 2026 World Cup squad

Goalkeepers

Tomoki HayakawaKeisuke OsakoZion Suzuki

Defenders

Ko ItakuraHiroki ItoYuto NagatomoAyumu SekoYukinari SugawaraJunnosuke SuzukiShogo TaniguchiTakehiro TomiyasuTsuyoshi Watanabe

Midfielders

Ritsu DoanWataru EndoJunya ItoDaichi KamadaTakefusa KuboKeito NakamuraKaishu SanoAo Tanaka

Forwards

Keisuke GotoDaizen MaedaKoki OgawaKento ShiogaiYuito SuzukiAyase Ueda. (ANI)