Why can’t we win it? Inside the Japanese embassy for Sunday’s World Cup opener.

Japan’s national soccer team has arrived in Texas ahead of their World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Sunday. Fans, including organized groups like Ultras Nippon, have gathered in Dallas, with local media documenting the city’s transformation into a global football hub. Coverage highlights the embassy’s role as a hub for team preparations, while local outlets emphasize the cultural and logistical scale of the event.

Reuters, BBC News, and Politico are among outlets framing the match as a pivotal moment for Japan, which has yet to advance past the group stage in any World Cup. Local Texas media, including WFAA and D Magazine, focus on fan turnout and the tournament’s impact on the region. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation notes Dallas’s role as a temporary epicenter for global soccer.

Watch for post-match reactions from the Japanese team and embassy officials, as well as analysis on whether tactical adjustments or fan momentum could shift their fortunes. Coverage may also spotlight broader themes of underdog narratives in international football.