- Why is the match between Japan and Tunisia held at 1pm on Saturday?
- The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held in three North American countries, so the time zone was set to accommodate viewers in Asia, taking into account the time difference between Japan and Tunisia. Saturday noon in Japan time corresponds to late night in Europe and America, and this seems to be a measure to balance the global audience.
- Why is the official match for the training age group held at 1:00 p.m.?
- League games for young players are often held after school on weekdays or in the morning or daytime on Saturdays, taking into account the school schedules of elementary and junior high school students and the convenience of their parents. However, few clubs adjust their schedules to coincide with the World Cup dates, and as a result, there are many overlaps in the 13:00 time slot.
- Can the JFA be involved in adjusting the schedule of official games for the developmental age group?
- The JFA is in a position to issue guidelines and requests to its member organizations through each prefectural football association and league. However, because leagues and clubs have a strong degree of autonomy, it is currently difficult to make forced adjustments. It will be interesting to see whether the JFA takes advantage of this issue to make top-down adjustments.
- What are the benefits that children get from watching the World Cup?
- By watching actual international matches in real time, children can witness tactics, teamwork, and playing under pressure. Many coaches point out that this is a valuable experience that cannot be obtained through textbooks or videos, and that it is an opportunity to develop an interest and passion for soccer.
- Are similar problems occurring in other countries?
- In Europe and South America, the scheduling of club and national team matches is relatively flexible, and there are many cases where players in their developmental years can easily attend national team matches. On the other hand, in Asia, there is a tendency for league games to be prioritized, and schedule adjustments with national team games to be postponed.
- What measures should JFA take in the future?
- First, the JFA should notify each prefectural association of a ``request for preferential schedule adjustments for official matches for the training age group'' limited to the period of the 2026 World Cup. In addition, as a permanent guideline, it is necessary to consider setting ``non-game days,'' in which, as a general rule, official games for the training age group are not held on days when national team games are held.
