As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues, Japan’s national team has already encountered an unexpected obstacle before kicking off its tournament campaign.
The Samurai Blue were forced to change training venues in Monterrey, Mexico, after players expressed concerns about the condition of the pitch at their original practice facility. Japan had been training at the grounds of Liga MX side Tigres UANL, but reports from the team described the surface as uneven, hard, and filled with patches of dirt.
Midfielder Takefusa Kubo spoke openly about the issue following the team’s move.
“Yesterday’s pitch wasn’t very good. It was hard, there were holes, it wasn’t good,” Kubo said. “We had to change it because the players were afraid to start and fight for every ball.”
Japan has since relocated to El Barrial, the training complex of CF Monterrey, where players immediately noticed a significant improvement in playing conditions.
“Today’s pitch is much better. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen,” Kubo added.
The situation quickly gained attention across Mexican social media, where fans criticized the condition of the original training ground and questioned how a World Cup participant was provided with a facility that did not meet expected standards.
While the issue appears to have been resolved, it serves as a reminder of the importance of training environments during a major international tournament. With players looking to avoid injuries and maintain peak performance, quality practice surfaces are critical in the final days before competition begins.
Japan’s World Cup Schedule
Japan opens its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against the Netherlands on June 14 in Arlington, Texas.
Group Stage Matches:
- June 14: Netherlands vs. Japan (Arlington, Texas)
- June 20: Tunisia vs. Japan (Monterrey, Mexico)
- June 25: Sweden vs. Japan (Texas)
The Samurai Blue will establish their official World Cup base camp in Nashville, Tennessee, beginning June 8 before traveling for their group-stage matches.
