| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Preparations | Getting ready. |
| Monterrey | A city in Mexico near the border with the United States. |
| Wear and tear | Damage from being used regularly. |
Japan’s men’s national soccer team ran into some problems while trying to practice in Mexico. They were getting ready for their 2026 World Cup matches. Their first stop was Monterrey, where they planned to train. However, the practice fields at Tigres’ Training Center (CET) were not in good shape. The field was bumpy and had patches of dirt, which made it hard for players to practice safely. Japan’s team was worried about injuries, so they decided to switch locations.
First, they moved to fields at the UANL’s School of Medicine, but those fields also showed signs of wear and tear. Finally, they found better conditions at El Barrial, the training center of the Monterrey Rayados. This center is known for its excellent facilities.
Japan didn’t blame the Tigres team for the bad fields, but the situation raised concerns about Mexico’s readiness to host World Cup teams. Despite these challenges, Japan continued their preparations in Nashville, Tennessee. They will return to Monterrey to play against Tunisia. This match will be special because it will be the 1,000th game in World Cup history!
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| national | nacional |
| practice | práctica |
| team | equipo |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think having a good practice field is important for soccer teams?
- How might poor field conditions affect a player’s performance?
- What do you think countries should do to prepare for hosting big events like the World Cup?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Describe the challenges Japan’s soccer team faced in Monterrey.
- What did Japan do to find a better practice field?
