World Cup 2026 – US: Japanese Fans Clean Up Houston Stadium After Heartbreaking Loss to Brazil

Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in a World Cup Round of 32 match in Houston on Monday, June 29, after a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli in stoppage time. Following the loss, Japanese fans stayed behind to clean up trash from the stadium, continuing a tradition that has been observed since 1998.

World Cup 2026 – US: Japan Supporters Clean Up Dallas Stadium After Netherlands Draw

Japanese fans continued their tradition of cleaning up the stadium after their team's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium on Sunday, June 14. The practice stems from a Japanese cultural philosophy of leaving a place as it was found, a habit instilled from elementary school, and has been a hallmark of Japanese supporters at World Cup tournaments.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Parrot Olivia picks up a Japanese flag at Nasu Animal Kingdom in Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, on June 11, 2026, predicting Japan will beat Tunisia in their World Cup Group F match.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Parrot Olivia picks up a Japanese flag at Nasu Animal Kingdom in Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, on June 11, 2026, predicting Japan will beat Sweden in their World Cup Group F match.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Parrot Olivia picks up a Japanese flag at Nasu Animal Kingdom in Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, on June 11, 2026, predicting Japan will beat the Netherlands in their World Cup Group F match.

[Breaking News]Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

CHIBA, Japan, May 25 Kyodo - Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. (Kyodo)

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan train for 2026 World Cup

Hajime Moriyasu (C), manager of the Japanese men's national football team, smiles during a training in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as the team entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Snowboarding: World Cup in Sapporo

Snowboarding: World Cup in Sapporo

Japanese snowboarder Yuto Totsuka (C) poses after winning the men's halfpipe at a snowboarding World Cup event in Sapporo in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on March 8, 2026, alongside Australian Valentino Guseli (L) and Japan's Ryusei Yamada, who finished second and third, respectively.

Snowboarding: World Cup in Sapporo

Snowboarding: World Cup in Sapporo

Japanese snowboarder Yuto Totsuka poses after winning the men's halfpipe at a snowboarding World Cup event in Sapporo in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on March 8, 2026.

Snowboarding: World Cup in Sapporo

Snowboarding: World Cup in Sapporo

Japanese snowboarder Yuto Totsuka (C) poses after winning the men's halfpipe at a snowboarding World Cup event in Sapporo in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on March 8, 2026, alongside Australian Valentino Guseli (L) and Japan's Ryusei Yamada, who finished second and third, respectively.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Germany

Ski jumping: World Cup in Germany

Nozomi Maruyama (C) of Japan poses for a photo with members of the Japanese team, after winning silver at a World Cup women's ski jumping event in Willingen, Germany, on Feb. 1, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Germany

Ski jumping: World Cup in Germany

Japanese ski jumpers (from L) Ryoyu Kobayashi, Nozomi Maruyama, Ren Nikaido and Sara Takanashi pose after winning a World Cup mixed team bronze in Willingen, Germany, on Jan. 30, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi poses for a photo with the FIFA World Cup trophy at the premier's office in Tokyo on Jan. 19, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi poses for a photo with the FIFA World Cup trophy at the premier's office in Tokyo on Jan. 19, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) and former Brazil national football team defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva pose for a photo with the FIFA World Cup trophy at the premier's office in Tokyo on Jan. 19, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi poses for a photo with the FIFA World Cup trophy at the premier's office in Tokyo on Jan. 19, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi poses for a photo with the FIFA World Cup trophy at the premier's office in Tokyo on Jan. 19, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi poses for a photo with the FIFA World Cup trophy at the premier's office in Tokyo on Jan. 19, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japan PM Takaichi with FIFA trophy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) holds up a miniature trophy of the FIFA World Cup gifted by former Brazil national football team defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva at the premier's office in Tokyo on Jan. 19, 2026.

Speed skating: World Cup in Hamar

Speed skating: World Cup in Hamar

Japanese speed skaters (from L) Momoka Horikawa, Ayano Sato and Miho Takagi pose after winning bronze in the women's team pursuit at a World Cup speed skating meet in Hamar, Norway, on Dec. 14, 2025.

Speed skating: World Cup in Hamar

Speed skating: World Cup in Hamar

Japanese speed skaters (from L) Momoka Horikawa, Miho Takagi and Ayano Sato compete en route to winning bronze in the women's team pursuit at a World Cup speed skating meet in Hamar, Norway, on Dec. 14, 2025.

Speed skating: World Cup in Hamar

Speed skating: World Cup in Hamar

Japanese speed skaters (from L) Ayano Sato, Miho Takagi and Momoka Horikawa compete en route to winning bronze in the women's team pursuit at a World Cup speed skating meet in Hamar, Norway, on Dec. 14, 2025.

FIS Freestyle World Cup Opening 2025, Moguls Finals

FIS Freestyle World Cup Opening 2025, Moguls Finals

Women's winner Tess Johnson (L) of the United States and men's winner Ikuma Horishima of Japan celebrate after the FIS Freestyle World Cup moguls finals in Ruka, Kuusamo, Finland, on December 7, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RIIKKA HURRI - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Riikka Hurri/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS Freestyle World Cup Opening 2025, Moguls Finals

FIS Freestyle World Cup Opening 2025, Moguls Finals

Second-placed Walter Wallberg (L) of Sweden, winner Ikuma Horishima of Japan and third-placed Nick Page of the United States celebrate after the FIS Freestyle World Cup men's moguls finals in Ruka, Kuusamo, Finland, on December 7, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RIIKKA HURRI - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Riikka Hurri/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS Freestyle World Cup Opening 2025, Moguls Finals

FIS Freestyle World Cup Opening 2025, Moguls Finals

Ikuma Horishima of Japan competes during the FIS Freestyle World Cup men's moguls finals in Ruka, Kuusamo, Finland, on December 7, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RIIKKA HURRI - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Riikka Hurri/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS Freestyle World Cup Opening 2025, Moguls Finals

FIS Freestyle World Cup Opening 2025, Moguls Finals

Ikuma Horishima of Japan competes during the FIS Freestyle World Cup men's moguls finals in Ruka, Kuusamo, Finland, on December 7, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RIIKKA HURRI - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Riikka Hurri/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido of Japan (left) and winner Anze Lanisek of Slovenia celebrating on the podium after men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido of Japan (left), winner Anze Lanisek of Slovenia (middle) and 3rd placed Domen Prevc of Slovenia celebrating on the podium after men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido and team Japan celebrating on the podium with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus after men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido of Japan celebrating on the podium with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus after men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido of Japan celebrating on the podium after men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido of Japan celebrating on the podium after men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido of Japan (left), winner Anze Lanisek of Slovenia (middle) and 3rd placed Domen Prevc of Slovenia celebrating on the podium after men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido of Japan (left), winner Anze Lanisek of Slovenia (middle) and 3rd placed Domen Prevc of Slovenia celebrating on the podium after men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido of Japan (2nd left), winner Anze Lanisek of Slovenia (middle) and 3rd placed Domen Prevc of Slovenia on the podium with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus after men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

2nd placed Ren Nikaido of Japan competes during men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

Ryoyu Kobayashi of Japan competes during men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

Atsushi Narita of Japan competes during men's 10km cross-country skiing Gundersen of Nordic Combined at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic in Kuusamo, Finland on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

Sora Yachi of Japan competes during men's 10km cross-country skiing Gundersen of Nordic Combined at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic in Kuusamo, Finland on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

Ren Nikaido of Japan competes during men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

Ren Nikaido of Japan competes during men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

Naoki Nakamura of Japan competes during men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

Sakutaro Kobayashi of Japan competes during men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic

Tomofumi Naito of Japan competes during men's ski jumping large hill HS142 at the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening event in Kuusamo, Finland, on November 29, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)