The Secret Weapon for “Getting Ready” at the Clubhouse! On-the-Ground Report: Staff & Media Witness Moriyasu’s Japan Team’s “Off-Pitch Struggles”

Every task was a struggle.

“I’ve been covering the World Cup since ’98, but this is the worst tournament I’ve ever experienced!”

lamented a veteran writer who has been covering the World Cup since the 1998 tournament in France—Japan’s first appearance.

This isn’t about “Moriyasu’s Japan,” which has been putting on an overwhelming performance on the pitch and continuing its winning streak… While the whole of Japan rejoiced at their success, in stark contrast to the national team’s performance, the press corps was struggling immensely off the pitch.

The sudden suspension of media shuttle bus service was just the beginning. After matches, reporters had to struggle to meet their deadlines, and while the media center usually stays open for four to five hours—this tournament’s center closed just about two hours after the final whistle.Call it efficient or businesslike… in any case, there was a complete lack of customer service. It was a world of difference compared to the 2019 Qatar World Cup, where there was a massive, 24-hour media center right in the heart of the city.

Then, on June 14—the day of the Japan vs. Netherlands match—an incident occurred.The venue was Dallas Stadium (Texas, USA), which hosted the most matches of any venue during the tournament—nine in total. Security checks for spectators at this tournament were extremely strict; media personnel had to pass rigorous X-ray screenings, much like at an airport, in order to bring in high-tech equipment such as cameras and laptops.

Given the U.S.’s strict anti-terrorism measures, this is understandable, but the problem lies in the number of screening stations. While the Qatar tournament had five to ten dedicated media entry lanes, Dallas Stadium had only one. A long line formed in front of the gate in no time (first photo).It took up to an hour and a half just to get in, and during that time, we were forced to wait under the blazing sun.

Saved by “APA Meals”

To make matters worse, the UV rays were intense. Both in Dallas and in Nashville, Tennessee—where the national team is based—it was common for the UV index to reach a level 10 out of 11. Large quantities of sunscreen were kept at the training grounds, and not only the players but also the staff slathered themselves with it before practice.The intense sunlight is mercilessly sapping the reporters’ stamina as they cover this tournament, where shuttle bus service is frequently suspended and “waiting” has become the norm.

High prices are another major challenge.It made headlines that even the cheapest tickets for the Japan vs. Tunisia match were priced at just under 70,000 yen, but the impact of high prices and the weak yen was also evident at the cafeteria in the stadium’s press room. For example, even a simple green salad costs a steep $11 (about 1,800 yen) per plate. The usage rate among Japanese media representatives is likely at an all-time low.

The “savior” for the struggling press corps has been the generous support from the Japan Football Association (JFA). At the media center in the training camp, Shake Shack hot dogs (third photo) are distributed every day.It’s quite generous of them to provide these for free—they’re worth $5.48 (about 900 yen).

Kirin, the JFA’s main sponsor, provides “Nama-cha” and “Kirin Lemon.” The day after the match against the Netherlands, “Ichiban Shibori” beer was handed out—as if to celebrate the draw—sending the press into a frenzy of joy.There are also other corporate gifts on display, such as APA Hotel’s retort-packed rice “APA President’s Rice,” Kyokuyo’s canned “Boiled Mackerel,” and Toyo Suisan’s cup noodles.

I tried the “APA Rice” right away. Cooked over an open gas flame and packed immediately after cooking, the rice is so fluffy and the grains so distinct that you’d never guess it’s retort-packed. The lemon-flavored boiled mackerel was refreshing and paired perfectly with the APA Rice.While the packaging—featuring a large photo of President Fumiko Motoya—makes a strong visual impact, these gifts are truly appreciated as they’re easy on both the stomach and the wallet.

Inside the “6.5 Billion Yen Clubhouse”

While media representatives have voiced dissatisfaction with FIFA’s tournament management, the JFA’s response has been at an all-time high—and the prime example of this is the clubhouse, which directly impacts the players’ condition.

As a training camp for the Japanese national team, the JFA is renting the clubhouse of “Nashville SC,” a team in the U.S. soccer league. Built three years ago at a cost of $40 million (approximately 6.5 billion yen), the entire building is meticulously cleaned, with not a speck of dust in sight.

It is also fully equipped with facilities for alternating hot and cold baths (5th photo), which are a major aid in the players’ recovery from fatigue.

In addition to an ultra-low-temperature sauna that promotes blood circulation throughout the body, the facility features two “oxygen capsules,” which are said to be effective for recovery from fatigue and injuries. There is also a standard dry sauna (6th photo), though it is a small unit that holds only three people and lacks a löyly function. Even so, quite a few players use it to “fine-tune” their physical condition.

Personally, what I found most interesting was the large supply of “Clorets” in the locker room used by the head coach and other coaches. It seemed to reflect the stress faced by Reiwa coaches, who must be mindful of bad breath when instructing players.

“Moriyasu Japan” is making great strides, carrying the expectations of the Japanese people on its shoulders. Behind the scenes, both the staff and the press are working up a sweat every day.

From the July 10, 2026 issue of *FRIDAY*