Japan ditch pre-World Cup pitch in Monterrey due to poor conditions

Field Level Media|published: Thu 4th June, 19:18 2026

Dec 5, 2022; Al-Wakrah, Qatar; Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu on the sideline before a round of sixteen match against Croatia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al-Janoub Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images

Japan are making a brief stay in Monterrey, Mexico, during their World Cup journey, but the early returns have not been encouraging.

In fact, Japan changed practice venues within the city Thursday after encountering subpar conditions at Tigres UANL's field.

Video of Japan training at Tigres' facility went viral on Mexican social media Wednesday, as the pitch had visible signs of wear.

While the Japanese delegation did not say why they moved Thursday, players headed to a different part of the metro area and practiced at El Barrial, the practice facility belonging to Tigres' rivals C.F. Monterrey.

???? Japan's World Cup training facilities in Monterrey have gone VIRAL ??

The Conditions at Tigres' facilities were reportedly so poor that the Samurai Blue were close to leaving the city altogether ???????????
pic.twitter.com/LfCNJlUDo8
— Footballnus (@footballnus) June 4, 2026

Japan will set up their base camp in Nashville, Tenn., but won't arrive there until Monday.

They'll open Group F play against the Netherlands on June 14 in Arlington, Texas. They'll face Tunisia at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, the home of C.F. Monterrey, on June 20 and return to Arlington to play Sweden on June 25.

--Field Level Media

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