Japan changes training sites in Monterrey over pitch issues
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 6:12 AM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Japan's national soccer team has switched training venues in Monterrey due to problems with an uneven pitch at their initial location. The team had been using the facility for Liga MX club UANL Tigres before moving to El Barrial, home of Rayados de Monterrey. The Japanese delegation cited patches of dirt as a major concern for the training environment. A training session is set for Thursday afternoon. Japan’s World Cup campaign kicks off on June 14 against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas.
- •Japan faced pitch issues at UANL Tigres' training ground.
- •Team moved to El Barrial for better training conditions.
- •First World Cup match against Netherlands is on June 14.
- •Next match in Monterrey against Tunisia on June 20.
- •Official training camp starts in Nashville, Tennessee on June 8.
- 6:12 AMYahoo Sports — Japan change World Cup training sites in Mexico over conditions
- 9:46 PMESPN Soccer — Japan ditches pre-WC training site over poor pitch...
- 8:23 PMYahoo Sports — Pitch problems: Japan switches Monterrey training sites ahead of World Cup
"Japan's national team has changed practice venues in Monterrey ahead of the World Cup after players encountered an uneven pitch marred by patches of dirt at their original training ground. The Japanese delegation said it has switched from the facility for Liga MX club UANL Tigres — site of Wednesday's practice — to El Barrial, the training ground of Rayados de Monterrey.
"Japan's World Cup squad had to twice change their training pitches in Mexico because of the poor condition of the fields, Japanese media said, in a turbulent start to preparations."We came to this conclusion (to change practice venues) because we searched for a better environment," he said, according to Japanese media.
"Japan has changed practice venues in Monterrey ahead of the World Cup after players encountered an uneven pitch marred by patches of dirt at their original training ground.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 6:12 AMJapan change World Cup training sites in Mexico over conditions
Japan's World Cup squad had to twice change their training pitches in Mexico because of the poor condition of the fields, Japanese media said, in a turbulent start to preparations."We came to this conclusion (to change practice venues) because we searched for a better environment," he said, according to Japanese media.
- ESPN SoccerJun 4, 2026, 9:46 PMJapan ditches pre-WC training site over poor pitch...
Japan has changed practice venues in Monterrey ahead of the World Cup after players encountered an uneven pitch marred by patches of dirt at their original training ground.
- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 8:23 PMPitch problems: Japan switches Monterrey training sites ahead of World Cup
Japan's national team has changed practice venues in Monterrey ahead of the World Cup after players encountered an uneven pitch marred by patches of dirt at their original training ground. The Japanese delegation said it has switched from the facility for Liga MX club UANL Tigres — site of Wednesday's practice — to El Barrial, the training ground of Rayados de Monterrey.
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