MONTERREY, Mexico — Japan’s national soccer team has relocated its practice venue in Monterrey in preparation for the World Cup due to concerns over the quality of the playing surface at their initial training site, which featured uneven ground and dirt patches.
The team has transitioned from the training facilities of Liga MX club Tigres UANL, where they were set to hold Wednesday’s practice, to El Barrial, the training ground of FC Monterrey.
The reason for the venue change has not been disclosed. The team’s training is planned for Thursday afternoon.
The situation surrounding the training facility has gained significant attention on Mexican social media, resulting in considerable criticism directed at Tigres UANL.
Japan will kick off its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, on June 14. The team will then face Tunisia in Monterrey on June 20, followed by a match against Sweden in Texas on June 25.
The Samurai Blue’s official training camp for the World Cup will be located in Nashville, Tennessee, with their arrival scheduled for June 8.