On the 24th, the Japanese national soccer team held a practice session at the match venue in preparation for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asian final qualifying match against Saudi Arabia (on the 25th at Saitama Stadium), with only the first 15 minutes open to the public. After individual practice indoors, defender Yuto Nagatomo (38) of FC Tokyo gave an interview and hinted that next year's World Cup, his fifth appearance, will be his last.

Nagatomo has participated in four consecutive World Cups since the 2010 South Africa tournament. If he participates in next year's World Cup, it will be an unprecedented five consecutive tournaments for the Japanese national team. He expressed his enthusiasm for winning the World Cup, saying, "It's the fifth time's a charm for me." He then stated his determination, saying, "It will be the last time. I think it's always the last time. I think it will probably be the last time. I want to share the joy with everyone here."

Also, due to the injury, it is unlikely that he will be able to play in the match on the 25th.