Japan is briefly in Monterrey, Mexico, during its World Cup trip, but the early return is not encouraging.
Japan even changed its practice location in the city on Thursday after experiencing poor conditions on the Tigres UANL field.
Video of Japan’s training at the Tigres factory went viral on Mexican social media on Wednesday as the pitch showed visible signs of wear.
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Although the Japanese delegation did not say Thursday why it was moving, players went to another part of the metro area and practiced at El Barrial, the practice facility of Tigres’ rival CF Monterrey.
Japan will set up its base camp in Nashville but won’t arrive there until Monday.
It opens the Group F match against the Netherlands on June 14 in Arlington, Texas, against Tunisia at the Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, home of CF Monterrey, on June 20 and returns to Arlington to play Sweden on June 25.
Published on June 5, 2026
