Match Preview
A “new kickoff” under the autumn-to-spring calendar.
Following a special half-season tournament, the 2026/27 Meiji Yasuda J1 League is finally set to kick off. FC Tokyo will begin the new season on August 8 with a match against FC Machida Zelvia at Ajinomoto Stadium.
After building momentum at their training camp in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, and continuing their preparations at the Kodaira Ground, the team played an international friendly against German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund at MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) last weekend. Although they lost 0-1 after conceding in the second half, competing against world-class players—including five who took part in the FIFA World Cup 2026™—should prove to be invaluable for the future.
The team will alternate between the possession-based football and solid-defense, quick-attack style they have built up so far, while focusing on attacks from the flanks. By targeting areas opponents dislike and expanding their scoring patterns, they aim to raise their work rate and intensity in both attack and defense, once again setting their sights on the title as they head into the new season.
Captain Sei Muroya is aiming high: “This is not a league that can be won easily, so we have to keep growing and improving. But we have the players, coaching staff and support staff capable of doing that. This season is a phase in which we add quality to what we have built and refine it. We want to show that clearly from the opening match.”
Unlike previous seasons, the campaign will kick off in the height of summer. Controlling the game in the demanding heat and humidity will be essential, and this promises to be a match that tests the intelligence to read its subtleties, competitive resilience and concentration. Hayato INAMURA, who has rejoined the Blue and Red on a permanent transfer, is focused ahead of the match against Machida: “As a team, we want to continue improving our work rate and intensity. I think this match will be played at a fast tempo, and the weather and climate will make it demanding as well. Every single moment, including set pieces, could be decisive.”
Machida, meanwhile, signed Yusuke Matsuo from Urawa Reds and Takahiro Akimoto from Belgium's OH Leuven this offseason. Both are hard-working attackers well suited to Machida's style. In addition to their traditional strengths of counterattacks from a solid defense and set-piece prowess, they have added players who enhance their work rate and forward momentum. Tete Yengi, who represented Australia at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and can serve as a focal point up front, also joined on a permanent transfer after the tournament. He is among the players FC Tokyo will need to keep a close eye on.
It is a matchup between two teams that make intensity their weapon. While describing Machida as "a very solid team," Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI identifies the key to the contest: "(In past meetings), there were games in which we were able to take sufficient control, and times when we were able to contain their strengths well. Against such a solid team, it will be extremely important to stay patient and manage the game properly."
Against Machida, FC Tokyo have recorded one win and three losses in past league meetings. In the Special Competition, they began with a convincing 3-0 victory to avenge their defeat in the previous year's Emperor's Cup semifinal, but then lost on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the “return match” held three days later. They will be looking to rewrite their history of never having won at home against Machida in league play, secure the victory, and build momentum.
Needless to say, a fast start will be key to challenging for the title. In the special tournament, three straight wins to open the campaign, including a penalty shootout victory, gave the team momentum and allowed them to join the title race. The opening match of a new season, returning to 90-minute contests. They will look to secure all three points with a must-win mentality and take control of their own future.
Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q: The league season is finally about to begin. How do you feel about the team’s preparations?
AAs long as I feel we are making progress, I think we still have a long way to go. Even when things are going well, my thoughts always come back to: “What can we do next?” and “What can we add to make it even better?” Perhaps you can feel that sense of progress when a game ends, but within minutes after the final whistle, it becomes all about the next thing, and then the next. That is how it is every day as well. That said, I am truly grateful for the players’ attitude so far. They have created a positive atmosphere, and I feel their commitment has shown itself in many ways, from the start of camp through the preseason after we returned.
Q: The opponents are FC Machida Zelvia, and the matches against them often seem to be closely contested. What is your impression of them?
A, My impression is that they are a very solid team. That may be due in part to the makeup of their squad, but we won 3-0 away from home in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Special Tournament, while we lost the following match in a penalty shootout. I do not know whether this match will unfold in the same way as those two, but in previous games we were able to dictate the play for long stretches and did well to contain their strengths. With that confidence, I think the key will be to stay patient against such a solid team and manage the game properly.
Q: There will also be several changes to the Laws of the Game this season. Have those been communicated to the team?
A, Even before restarts are regulated by a time limit, I believe football is fundamentally about exploiting openings and not allowing opponents to exploit yours, so we must always be alert to that. Rather than being counted down and rushing into a play, we need to act even more quickly—without taking breaks ourselves and without allowing the opposition to rest.
Q: With the transition to the new season schedule, factors such as managing fitness and the heat will make things different from a typical league campaign.
A, As I mentioned, the tempo of the matches will be faster. The climate will also make things more demanding, so I think every single moment will be crucial in deciding the outcome. That includes set pieces, and we must not leave any openings in those situations. On the other hand, one of our challenges has been that we have not been able to score enough from set pieces. But if we can make the most of those moments in matches and score, and outperform our opponents with quicker transitions, I think we can create a positive shape and momentum for ourselves.
Player Interview
Sei MUROYA
Q: The season is finally about to begin. This is the first time in J.League history that the season has started in the summer. How do you feel about getting underway in hot and humid conditions?
A, The environment will be different, but in terms of having had a proper preparation period and training camp, nothing has changed from before. It is not as though we have never played in these conditions, so I do not think we can use that as an excuse. Personally, I want to go into the opening match in the best possible condition, and I think the team is also in good shape to give 100 percent.
Q: Through the training camp and subsequent training sessions, do you feel the team has built on what it has been working on and is ready for the season opener?
A, Definitely. We have spent a long time working together under Head Coach Rikizo Matsuhashi, and rather than starting something new, I think we are now at a stage where we can further refine what we have built up by adding more quality. That was also our focus at camp, and we want to build on what we have done so far and raise our quality even further. We want to show that clearly from the opening match.
Q: How are you feeling physically on a personal level?
A, I’m feeling good. Once the match starts, I want to give 100 percent, and I think I’ve been able to prepare well for it.
Q: As captain, the team set its sights on the title in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League 100 Year Vision League and finished fourth. Now, as a new season begins with the aim of winning the title, what kind of year do you want it to be?
A, Of course, we will compete with the aim of winning the title. However, this is not a league where you can win the title easily, so I believe we need to keep growing more and more throughout the season. But I think we have the players, coach, and staff capable of doing that. I want this to be a season in which people can say, “This team has grown tremendously.”
Q: Our opponent in the opening match is FC Machida Zelvia. We had one win and one loss against them in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Centennial Vision League, but how do you view them as an opponent?
A: Until a little while ago, there was a period when we struggled to beat Machida, and I think we may have had something of a psychological barrier against them. But that feeling has faded recently, and I do not think they see FC Tokyo as an opponent they are particularly comfortable facing either. We will be opening the season at home, and if we can show the quality we have, I believe we can take all three points.
Q: What will be particularly important against Machida?
A, It is the same against any opponent, but rather than reacting, we have to take the initiative ourselves. Machida in particular are an opponent against whom we cannot afford to be passive. They are a solid team that wins the physical battles and takes the one chance they get, so first and foremost, we cannot lose out in those fundamental areas. On top of that, it is important for us to show our own quality. I think everyone understands the basics of competing, and we have to make sure we come out on top there.
Q: Finally, please share a message for all the fans and supporters looking forward to the opening match.
A: We want to play exciting, passionate matches every time out. In the opening match as well, rather than waiting for the fans and supporters to naturally get excited, we want to lead the way and put on a match full of that kind of energy. Please look forward to it.
Motoki NAGAKURA
Q: With the season starting in the summer, are there any differences from previous years that you have noticed?
A, I believe I have prepared well individually for the start of the season. Regardless of the fact that the league is starting in the summer, I want to stay focused and make a good start.
Q: You also played an international friendly against Borussia Dortmund. Before the start of the season, were there aspects that gave you confidence or that you were able to confirm?
A, Our quick transitions from defense to attack are one of our strengths, and I think we were able to show that in certain phases of the game. In terms of our coordination as well, we have built things up through training, and now we just need to show that in matches.
Q: What are you mindful of in terms of your coordination and interplay with Shion HOMMA on the left side?
A: We have been able to play well together, keeping an eye on each other's positions and play. I think FC Tokyo has many players who can adapt to Honma's off-the-ball movement and the way he moves to receive the ball. If he can play freely and the players around him can adjust well, I think the team will improve even further. His unpredictable movement will also cause problems for opponents. Personally, I want to target the gaps and open spaces that are created as a result.
Q: Starting with the opening of the league season, you have matches coming up against FC Machida Zelvia and Vissel Kobe, clubs competing for the title.
A: A fast start to the league season is important. Both Machida and Kobe finished above us in the 2025 season. If we can win both matches against them, I think we can build good momentum.
Q: What is your impression of Machida, whom you will be facing?
A: They are a strong team that also competed in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26. Personally, I have not faced them since joining Tokyo, but even watching them, I can feel their strength. I think it will be a closely contested match, but we want to come away with the win. Of course, if I play, I will be looking to score, but above all, the team's victory is the most important thing. I will work hard toward that goal.
