Japan prepares to meet Saudi Arabia with 800 fans in attendance

The Japanese national team resumed training at the Japan Football Association's Yume Stadium in Chiba City, in preparation for its upcoming match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday at Saitama Stadium, in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The JFA announced that midfielder Hidemasa Morita, who plays for Sporting, has left the team's camp due to a left leg injury, in addition to striker Ayase Ueda, who plays for Feyenoord, leaving the team due to a right ankle injury. Meanwhile, defender Yuto Nagatomo underwent individual training. The training session was attended by a large crowd, with approximately 800 fans attending, the maximum number the training ground can accommodate. Parma goalkeeper Ayane Suzuki emphasized the importance of the remaining matches, noting that they represent a new beginning for the team and expressing his desire to fight to achieve positive results. Japan national team star and Brighton player Kaoru Mitoma spoke about the importance of facing Saudi Arabia, stressing the need to play with greater enthusiasm to achieve victory, and asserting that the team's mentality will be reflected in its performance in the match. Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo indicated that the match will be a good opportunity to assess the team's current level, stressing that the result will impact the World Cup draw, and that the team is striving to achieve victory without giving in to despair. It is worth noting that the Japanese national team leads its group with 19 points from seven matches, with three matches remaining, giving it a good chance to become the team with the most points. In the Asian qualifiers.