Story perspectives

Japan Shifts Training from Tigres Pitch After Viral Criticism

6/5/2026

Summary

Japan Moves Training

Japan's national soccer team moved its Monterrey training from the Tigres UANL field—deemed uneven and dirty—to C.F. Monterrey's El Barrial ground for Thursday afternoon.
Video of the team training on the subpar Tigres pitch went viral on Mexican social media, prompting heavy criticism of Tigres UANL.
Japan will open its FIFA 2026 World Cup Group F match against the Netherlands in Arlington on June 14 and start its official training camp in Nashville on June 8.

Summary

Endo Leads

Captain Wataru Endo recovered from a February injury and will lead Japan at the 2026 World Cup.
With Mitoma and Minamino sidelined, Japan may field Europe-based stars such as Zion Suzuki (Parma), Ko Itakura (Ajax) and Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich).
Coach Hajime Moriyasu was criticised for a cautious approach after a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica at the last tournament.

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Japan Moves Training

Japan's national soccer team moved its Monterrey training from the Tigres UANL field—deemed uneven and dirty—to C.F. Monterrey's El Barrial ground for Thursday afternoon.
Video of the team training on the subpar Tigres pitch went viral on Mexican social media, prompting heavy criticism of Tigres UANL.
Japan will open its FIFA 2026 World Cup Group F match against the Netherlands in Arlington on June 14 and start its official training camp in Nashville on June 8.

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