The buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing together voices from both sports and music, including Japanese soccer player Ryo Miyaichi and Sota Nakajima of FANTASTICS.
In a new conversation tied to the global tournament, the two discussed how soccer and live performance share a similar kind of pressure. Both depend on preparation, timing, energy, and the ability to respond to a crowd in real time.
Miyaichi spoke from the perspective of an athlete who understands how fans can affect the mood of a match. Nakajima approached the topic as a performer, where the connection with an audience can shape the feeling of a show.
Their exchange pointed to a simple idea: major events like the World Cup are not only about competition. They also create shared cultural moments, where music, sports, and national pride often meet.
For Japan, the tournament offers another stage for fans, players, and artists to connect with a worldwide audience.