Japan National Team Changes Practice Venues Due to Poor Pitch Conditions in Monterrey
The Japanese men's national football team encountered substandard practice pitch conditions during a recent stop in Monterrey, Mexico, leading to multiple venue changes. Players and coaching staff expressed concern over the uneven fields and risk of injuries at the Tigres Training Center (CET), a facility that was a last-minute replacement for Estadio Universitario. Following viral video footage and criticism, the squad moved to two different locations before settling at El Barrial, the Monterrey Rayados' training center.
The Japanese men's national team, currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, recently made a brief stop in Monterrey, Mexico, which generated controversy regarding its practice facilities. The team, which played its first 2026 World Cup game on Sunday against the Netherlands in Texas, faced issues with pitch quality in Monterrey, where they are scheduled to play Tunisia on Saturday, June 20.
Initially, Japan attempted to practice at the Tigres Training Center (CET). Players reportedly found the field in rough condition, with uneven areas and holes. Midfielder Take Kubo noted that the conditions made players hesitant to exert full effort, and coaching staff raised concerns about potential injuries. Video footage of the practice showing patches of dirt and a bumpy pitch at the CET, a year-old complex separate from the Tigres UANL's home stadium, circulated on Mexican social media, fueling criticism of the Liga MX club.
Diario AS reported on the situation with a headline stating, “Liga MX embarrassment: Japan ditches Tigres’ facilities after poor pitch conditions.” The team subsequently moved its practice that same day to the Autonomous University of Nuevo León’s (UANL) School of Medicine fields. However, these fields also displayed visible signs of wear.
By the following day, the Japanese squad relocated again to El Barrial, the training center of the Monterrey Rayados, which is recognized as one of the nation's premier facilities and currently serves as Tunisia's base camp. This series of venue changes occurred after FIFA had deemed Estadio Universitario, known as “El Volcán,” unsuitable for practice and selected CET as an eleventh-hour replacement.
Japan's venue shuffle during its five-day stay contributed to broader concerns about Mexico's preparedness to host base training camps and practice sessions for World Cup teams. The delegation arrived at its official base camp in Nashville on June 8 and will return to Monterrey for its second group-stage match against Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium (BBVA), which will mark the 1,000th match in World Cup history.
According to Mexico News Daily, six national teams initially chose Mexico for their base camps, a number that increased to seven after Iran switched from Arizona to Tijuana.
