Samurai Blue soccer team heads to Mexico for training

The Japanese men's national soccer team, known as Samurai Blue, set off for Monterrey, Mexico, on June 2, 2026, to begin an intensive pre-World Cup training camp.

Manager Hajime Moriyasu has set a clear tone, urging his players to remain tough, resilient, and brave.

Veteran Yuto Nagatomo, attending his fifth World Cup, captured the team’s fighting spirit by wearing a traditional hachimaki headband.

Japan enters the tournament in excellent form, riding a streak of five consecutive clean-sheet victories, including a recent 1-0 win against Iceland.

After reaching the Round of 16 in previous tournaments, the team is now determined to break that barrier and advance further than ever before.

With a balanced 26-man roster, Samurai Blue is ready to showcase their progress on the global stage.