2026 World Cup could reshape Kubo’s market after injury-hit season | OneFootball

Take Kubo begins his 2026 World Cup with Japan on Sunday against the Netherlands, a potential shop window after a stuttering year at Real Sociedad.

According to AS, he scored only two goals this season, his campaign disrupted by a January injury against Barcelona and a muted return late on.

He still celebrated Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey win, though his ambition left him wanting a bigger role, featuring only for a few minutes in the final.

The 25-year-old is contracted until 2029 with a 60 million euros release clause. Real Madrid hold 50 per cent of any profit above the six million euros fee they received, and this past year has not boosted his valuation.

Even so, his footballing ability and marketing pull keep his name strong. In 2024 he appeared in a Doraemon episode, and he was recently chosen to represent Japan in Shakira’s official World Cup song video.

Asked about his future in recent months, he avoided committing to anything and kept the focus on performing for Japan this summer.

A strong World Cup could revive interest, notably from the Premier League. Real Sociedad will be in Europe next term, which he values, and the club remain calm while Japan’s progress unfolds. He has said he dislikes watching European matches on television.

Source: AS