What to know about Japan soccer team in Nashville for World Cup

The World Cup expands to 48 teams, opening June 11 and running through July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Japan will base itself in Nashville, training at Nashville SC's practice facility for the tournament, reflecting deep local ties including Bridgestone’s North American plant and Nissan’s U.S. headquarters nearby. Nashville also hosts Japan’s preparation as group-stage games are set in Texas and Monterrey, starting with the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas on June 14, followed by Tunisia in Guadalupe on June 20 and Sweden in Arlington on June 25.

The Samurai Blue sit No. 18 in FIFA rankings and face modest odds, with BetMGM listing Japan among the longer-shot contenders at +5000, tied with the United States for the 13th-best odds. Japan’s group is completed by Sweden and Tunisia, and the team has qualified for every World Cup since 1998, reaching the knockout stage in 2018 and 2022. Nashville’s base aims to provide stability and climate familiarity ahead of the travel-heavy schedule.