The Japan men's national soccer team is bringing a taste of World Cup excitement to Nashville this summer. On June 8, the Samurai Blue—ranked No. 18 in the latest FIFA world rankings—will hold an open training session at Geodis Park, giving fans a rare, up-close look at a team gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The free event kicks off at 5:45 p.m., and tickets are available to the public. It's a unique chance to see Japan's squad in action as they fine-tune their game plan for the tournament's group stage, where they'll face the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F.
"It is an honor to open our stadium to the community and the Japan Men's National Team as they prepare to kick off their FIFA World Cup 26 schedule," said Nashville SC Chief Business Officer Lindsey Paola. "2026 is the biggest year for soccer in the United States since the World Cup was last here in 1994, and we cannot wait to share in the experience with fans and families from Nashville and across Tennessee."
While Nashville won't host any World Cup matches, the city will serve as Japan's base camp for the tournament. The team will train at the Nashville SC training center in Antioch and stay in Nashville between games, making Music City a temporary home for one of Asia's top soccer nations.
Japan's World Cup journey begins on June 14 against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, followed by a clash with Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico on June 20, and a final group match against Sweden in Arlington on June 25. The team is aiming for a third consecutive trip to the knockout stage—a testament to their growing consistency on the global stage.
"We look forward to welcoming the Japanese Men's National Team to Nashville this summer and encourage locals and visitors to catch them in action during Community Day," said Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. "Japan is a growing international market for Nashville, and this visit not only brings the team to Music City but also provides an exciting opportunity to host visiting Japanese media and share the stories, hospitality, and spirit that make Nashville such a compelling destination."
The 2026 World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks a historic expansion to 48 teams—up from 32 in previous tournaments. For soccer fans in Tennessee, this open training session is a perfect chance to get a head start on the global celebration, all while soaking in the pre-tournament energy.