At the Tokyo Olympics, the Japanese national football team will celebrate their first match against South Africa on the night of the 22nd.

In South Africa, the opponent, two players have been infected with the new coronavirus, and 18 people including the players have been certified as close contacts, and the pre-match test results will determine whether or not the event will be held.

The qualifying league for the Tokyo Olympics and soccer men will start on the 22nd, and Japan will face South Africa in the first match at Tokyo Stadium from 8 pm.



In South Africa, two athletes and one staff member were confirmed to have been infected with the new coronavirus by inspection on the 17th of this month, and 18 people including athletes have been certified as close contacts.



It is necessary to register 13 players to hold a match.

The Organizing Committee of the Games has stated that close contacts will be able to participate in the match if the test is negative 6 hours before the match, and the result of the test on the 22nd will determine whether or not the match can be held. ..



Japanese players took it calmly, and Takefusa Kubo, who responded to the interview on the 21st, said, "It's not a negative thing. We will concentrate on ourselves." Ko Itakura also said, "At all. I don't care. I'm only thinking about preparing for the best possible condition. "



South Africa coach Notoane also said at a press conference on the 20th, "It's a difficult situation mentally, but I'm going to get out of 100%," he said with enthusiasm for the first match with Japan.

22nd competition schedule

[Men's Soccer]


4:30 pm Qualifying League --Group C Egypt vs Spain


5:00 pm Qualifying League --Group A Mexico vs France


5:00 pm Qualifying League --Group B New Zealand vs South Korea


5:30 pm Qualifying League --Group D Cote d'Ivoire


7:30 pm Qualifying League

against Saudi Arabia

--Group C Argentina vs Australia


8:00 pm Qualifying League --Group A Japan vs South Africa


8:00 pm Qualifying League --Group B Honduras vs Romania


8:30 pm Qualifying League --Group D Brazil vs Germany



[Softball]


9:00 am Qualifying League Canada vs. America


0:00 Qualifying League Japan vs. Mexico


3:00 pm Qualifying League Australia vs. Italy