The Japan national football team has begun preparations for the Tunisia match as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026. After drawing with the Netherlands in their opening match, the team resumed training on the 15th near Nashville, Tennessee. The players who started against the Netherlands appeared relaxed as they adjusted. Takefusa Kubo did not participate in training due to a left leg injury and underwent tests at a hospital. Other members played a closed practice match against the U-19 Japan national team, winning 2-0 with goals from Koki Ogawa and Shuto Machino. With Wataru Endo's withdrawal, Machino, who was called up as a replacement, found this match to be a valuable opportunity. He mentioned that it had been a month since he played in a match format and that he needed to quickly improve his condition. His goal came from a rebound off the opposing goalkeeper, and he expressed his determination, saying, 'It was a big goal. I want to prepare well to score in the actual match.'