Japan U-15 team trains with Bundesliga clubs ahead of 2026 World Cup
The Japan Football Association (JFA) and the Bundesliga (DFL) have launched the 'Bundesliga Dream Japan' project to pave the way for Japan's soccer future ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Japan U-15 men's team will visit Germany in December 2026 for a two-week training camp.
Project details
The Japan U-15 team will participate in matches and specialized training with the academy teams of Bundesliga clubs Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach (Borussia MG). They will also attend lectures on sports psychology, recovery, and long-term player development.
Expectations for participating players
The participating players will experience the history and tradition of the Bundesliga, where many Japanese players have excelled, such as Shinji Kagawa, who won two Bundesliga titles and the DFB-Pokal with Dortmund, and Makoto Hasebe, who won the UEFA Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Towards the 2026 World Cup
Currently, the Japan national team is in second place in the 2026 World Cup with 5 points. Their recent result was Brazil 2-1 Japan (2026-06-29), and their recent form is 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss (LDWDW, most recent first). This project is expected to be a significant stimulus for young Japanese players aiming for the world stage.
