Monterrey, MEXICO –
Japan will face Tunisia in its second match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 21 in Monterrey, a northern Mexican metropolis recognized for its mountains, trendy skyline and unexpectedly robust connections with Japan.
Located about 11,000 kilometers from Osaka, Monterrey is usually known as a mountain metropolis due to its dramatic terrain, with massive mountain ranges rising behind an city panorama of high-rise buildings and broad streets. The metropolis combines pure surroundings with trendy improvement, giving it a particular ambiance amongst Mexico’s main cities.
The match shall be performed at Monterrey’s stadium, the place Japan is about to fulfill Tunisia in a key second-round group-stage fixture. The venue stands out for its heavy, imposing look and is anticipated to attract robust consideration as Japanese supporters arrive for the June 21 match.
Around the town, indicators of native heat towards Japan are already seen. A monument studying “Welcome Japan” has been put in in Monterrey, and residents responded with calls of “Japon” after they noticed a customer strolling by way of the town in a Japan nationwide group uniform. “Japon” is the Spanish phrase for Japan.
At a neighborhood market, Monterrey’s meals tradition was on show, beginning with tacos, one in all Mexico’s best-known dishes. The tacos have been served with grilled meat and a pointy, spicy sauce, providing a style of native taste earlier than consideration turned to one of many metropolis’s signature dishes: cabrito, roasted younger goat. The dish, a specialty of Monterrey, was described as tender and effectively matched with sauce.
The metropolis’s reference to Japan will also be seen in on a regular basis retailers. At a grocery store, Maruchan on the spot noodles have been discovered amongst shelf-stable meals. The model, acquainted to shoppers in Japan, is so extensively recognized in Mexico that on the spot noodles are sometimes related to the Maruchan title.
Japanese popular culture additionally has a robust presence in Monterrey. Shops promoting anime and manga items featured titles comparable to Dragon Ball, Fist of the North Star and Captain Tsubasa, reflecting the recognition of Japanese comics and animation in Mexico.
The pro-Japan temper in Monterrey may give the nationwide group one thing near a house benefit, with native help including momentum forward of the match in opposition to Tunisia.
Tunisia supporters, nonetheless, have been assured of their very own group’s possibilities. One fan predicted a 2-1 victory for Tunisia, saying the match can be tied 1-1 earlier than Montassar Talbi scored the winner with a header three minutes into second-half stoppage time.
Ahead of the match, prayers for Japan’s victory have been additionally supplied removed from Monterrey. In Sacab Mucuy, a Maya village in southeastern Mexico about 1,500 kilometers away, a shaman named Ejilio carried out a ritual for the Japan group. The village has about 600 residents.
“I think the Japan team will play football with strong spirit and energy,” Ejilio mentioned.
With help in Monterrey, seen enthusiasm for Japanese tradition and even prayers from a Maya village, Japan heads into its second World Cup match hoping these connections may also help carry the group previous Tunisia.
Source: YOMIURI