Japan forced to switch Mexico training pitch twice in two days | OneFootball

According to AFP, Japan's World Cup preparations in Mexico were disrupted as the squad changed training pitch twice in two days because of weather-hit surfaces. The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July.

Initially scheduled to use Tigres de Monterrey's training pitch, they diverted to a university field after finding the turf degraded by bad weather.

Technical director Masakuni Yamamoto said the disruption was down to the weather and that Japan wanted to ensure optimal preparation as they moved to CF Monterrey's facilities.

Takefusa Kubo told reporters the pitches were not of World Cup standard.

The following day's session went ahead in good conditions after a third venue was tested.

From Tuesday, the squad will join their United States base in Nashville, Tennessee. Yamamoto said they had been told preparations there were proceeding without a hitch.

In Group F, Japan face the Netherlands on 14 June at 22:00, then Tunisia on 21 June at 06:00, and Sweden on 26 June at 01:00.

Source: L'Équipe