Japan trains in front of 5,000 fans after arriving in Nashville.
Japan’s World Cup football players practice in front of fans in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 8, 2026.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Japan trained for the first time at their World Cup base in Nashville, Tennessee, after arriving Monday from a pre-tournament camp in Mexico.
After acclimatizing to the heat in Monterrey from June 2, the 26-man squad traveled across the border and held a light session at Geodis Park in front of some 5,000 eager Samurai Blue fans who flocked to the home of MLS club Nashville.
“Thank you for the warm welcome here in Nashville today. We’re so happy to start our World Cup journey in this amazing city,” Japan captain Wataru Endo said during a welcome ceremony.
Making their eighth straight World Cup appearance, the Samurai Blue are aiming to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time and will play their opening Group F game on Sunday against the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium.
“We’ll do our best with pride and passion to achieve something we’ve never seen before in Japan’s soccer history,” the Liverpool midfielder said. “We’re really looking forward to staying here in Nashville and enjoying the time with you during the World Cup.”
Injured Monaco attacker Takumi Minamino joined the squad as a mentor, becoming the second active senior player to accompany them during the tournament after former Japan captain Maya Yoshida, who is assisting as a support player.
One of the biggest positives for Japan in the buildup to the tournament has been Takehiro Tomiyasu, who shone against Iceland in Tokyo in their May 31 send-off match and has voiced confidence about his fitness following recent injury woes.
“We’ve had a nice reception here and seeing so many fans supporting us, I want to repay their expectations,” the defender said. “I wanted to play a bit more for Ajax before coming to the World Cup, but even after taking that into account, I think my condition is better than everyone thinks.”
“(The camp in Monterrey) would have been even better if it got hotter, but we had an intense camp also in terms of tactics and it’d be great if we can all sharpen ourselves up more having arrived at Nashville.”
Japan will return to Monterrey ahead of playing their second game against Tunisia there on June 20 before facing Sweden back at Dallas Stadium five days later. They will stay in Nashville between matches.
Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, is widely known as the “Music City” due to its deep roots in the country music industry, which began flourishing in the 1920s with the Grand Ole Opry. Historically, it was founded in 1779 and served as the state capital, playing a significant role during the Civil War as a key Union supply base. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural hub, celebrated for its live music venues, historic Ryman Auditorium, and thriving arts scene.
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state known for its rich musical heritage, particularly as the birthplace of blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll, with major cultural hubs in Nashville and Memphis. Historically, it was part of the frontier and later a key battleground during the Civil War, including the famous Battle of Shiloh. Today, it attracts visitors to landmarks like Graceland, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Mexico
Mexico is a country rich in history and culture, home to ancient civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs, whose impressive ruins like Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán still stand today. Colonized by Spain in the 16th century, it later gained independence in 1821, blending indigenous and European influences into its vibrant traditions, cuisine, and architecture. Modern Mexico is known for its lively festivals like D
Geodis Park
Geodis Park is a soccer-specific stadium located in Nashville, Tennessee, and serves as the home of Nashville SC in Major League Soccer. Opened in May 2022, it was built with a capacity of approximately 30,000, making it one of the largest soccer-specific stadiums in the United States. The stadium’s construction was part of Nashville’s growing investment in professional soccer and its bid to host major international events.
Dallas Stadium
Dallas Stadium, commonly known as AT&T Stadium, is a domed multi-purpose venue in Arlington, Texas, that opened in 2009 as the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. It is famous for its massive retractable roof, enormous video screen, and seating capacity of over 80,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in the world. The stadium also hosts major events like the Super Bowl, college football championships, and concerts, cementing its status as a premier entertainment destination.
Monterrey
Monterrey is the capital of the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León, founded in 1596 by Spanish colonists. Known as the “Industrial Capital of Mexico,” it grew rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries due to its steel and manufacturing industries, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Cerro de la Silla mountain. Today, it is a major cultural and economic hub, blending modern skyscrapers with historic sites like the Macroplaza and the Bishop’s Palace.
Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, is widely known as “Music City,” a title rooted in its rich history as a hub for country music and the recording industry since the early 20th century. The city’s cultural significance grew with the establishment of the Grand Ole Opry in 1925 and the rise of iconic venues and studios. Today, Nashville blends its musical heritage with a vibrant modern arts scene, making it a major tourist destination.
Tennessee
Tennessee is a southeastern U.S. state known for its rich musical heritage, including the birth of blues in Memphis and country music in Nashville. Historically, it was part of the frontier and later became the 16th state in 1796, playing a key role in the Civil War and the civil rights movement. Today, it features landmarks like Graceland, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Mexico
Mexico is a country rich in history, home to ancient civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec, whose ruins like Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán still draw visitors today. Colonized by Spain in the 16th century, it later gained independence in 1821, blending indigenous and European influences into its vibrant culture. Today, Mexico is known for its colorful traditions, cuisine, and landmarks like Mexico City’s Zócalo and the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is a legendary American country music stage concert and radio show, founded in 1925 in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally broadcast as the “WSM Barn Dance,” it became a cornerstone of country music, launching the careers of icons like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. The show moved to its current iconic venue, the Grand Ole Opry House, in 1974, and remains a symbol of country music’s heritage and live performance tradition.
Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a historic performance venue originally built in 1892 as a tabernacle for evangelist Samuel Porter Jones. It later became famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, earning the nickname the “Mother Church of Country Music.” Today, it remains a beloved concert hall and museum, hosting a wide range of musical acts and preserving its rich cultural legacy.
