Like the protagonist of a soccer manga! 'Rising Sun flag fighting spirit' headband tied tight, 40-year-old Nagatomo... Japan national team departs for World Cup camp in Monterrey

*This content was translated by AI.

The Japan national soccer team, set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, has departed for its pre-tournament camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Japanese soccer specialist 'Soccerking' reported on the 2nd that "the Moriyasu squad held a departure ceremony at the airport today and headed for Mexico."

At Narita Airport today, All Nippon Airways (ANA), a major partner of the Japan Football Association (JFA), held a send-off event wishing the national team success.

In particular, 40-year-old defender Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo) drew attention by wearing a headband with the Japanese flag and the word "fighting spirit" () written on it, reaffirming his determination. Captain Wataru Endo (Liverpool) received a Japanese flag with a supportive message from the staff.

Hajime Moriyasu expressed strong determination to win the championship. Coach Moriyasu said, "We will do our best so that the people of Japan can celebrate winning the World Cup," and added, "We will aim to win every match, unite as one team, and fight persistently and bravely to bring energy to the nation. Please fight and cheer with us."

The Japan national team will complete its pre-camp in Monterrey before moving to its base camp in Nashville, USA.

Challenging for the World Cup title, Japan will compete in Group F of the tournament. Japan will face the Netherlands in its first match at 5 a.m. on the 15th at the Dallas Stadium in the United States. Then, on the 21st at 1 p.m., it will play Tunisia at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico, and on the 26th at 8 a.m., it will return to Dallas Stadium for its final group stage match against Sweden.

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*This content was translated by AI.