The Impressive Soccer Stadiums for Tokyo 2020

The soccer stadiums for Tokyo 2020 are modern, as most are less than 20 years old. They're awaiting the start of the Olympics. Keep reading to learn more!

The Olympics will be here very soon. In this article, we’ll show you the soccer stadiums for Tokyo 2020, which will host competitions between July 22 and August 8. Don’t miss it!

The seven soccer stadiums for Tokyo 2020

Men’s soccer matches won’t go unnoticed among fans of the Olympics in Tokyo 2020. The teams must be under-23 years with three older players allowed. Seven different cities will host the matches, each with a fabulous stadium:

1. Yokohama International Stadium

Also known as Nissan Stadium because of its sponsor, it’s located in the port city of Yokohama, and opened in 1998. It holds more than 72,000 spectators.

This stadium was the scene of major tournaments and meetings, including the FIFA World Cup (2005-2007, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016), the European-South American International Cup and the Japan Super Cup.

2. Saitama Stadium 2002

This stadium is in Midori-Ku or Saitama Prefecture. Although its name says 2002, it was inaugurated in 2001. It hosted four Korea-Japan World Cup matches, including the semi-final between Brazil and Turkey. It holds almost 64,000 spectators and is currently the home of the Urawa Red Diamonds Club.

In addition, the 2020 U-20 Women’s World Cup held six matches here, the most important being two matches for the quarterfinals. To get to Saitama Stadium, you can take the train from Tokyo, which is about a 50-minute trip.

3. Olympic soccer stadiums: Miyagi Stadium

This stadium, already prepared for Tokyo 2020, is in the city of Sendai, the capital of the Miyagi Prefecture. It opened in 2001 and holds up to 49,000 people.

At the 2002 World Cup, Miyagi Stadium held three matches: two in the group stage and the round of 16 between Japan and Turkey. Also, it was the venue for the 2012 U-20 Women’s World Cup (six games, all in the group stage.) Finally, it’s the home of the Vegalta Sendai.

4. Ajinomoto Stadium

On the outskirts of Tokyo is the city of Chofu, which holds another one of the soccer stadiums for Tokyo 2020. The history of this stadium has to do with the Japanese Armed Forces since they used the Kanto Mura military base to build it.

Founded in March 2001, it was the first stadium in Japan to sell naming rights. Ajinomoto was the winning company, after paying $10 million. Also, this stadium is the home of two teams: FC Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy.

With a capacity for 50,000 people, it also hosts rugby and soccer games. During the 2002 World Cup, it was also used as a training and concentration center for the Saudi Arabian national team.

5. Olympic soccer stadiums: Kashima Stadium

Located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, it’s home to the Kashima Antlers of the J1 League of Japan. It’s one of the oldest stadiums for Tokyo 2020 since it was inaugurated in 1993. Also, it’s the smallest because it houses less than 37,500 spectators.

6. Sapporo Dome

This is another one of the soccer stadiums built for the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. In fact, the local architect Hiroshi Hara designed it. Since then, it’s hosted the Consadole Sapporo games for the J1 League, as well as the baseball games for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

The Sapporo Dome has been used for stages of the Japan rally and ceremonies of the 2017 Asian Winter Games. Interestingly, this stadium has natural grass slides on an air cushion outside the enclosure so that it grows, and they can use the property for other activities.

7. Tokyo Olympic Stadium

The last of the soccer stadiums for Tokyo 2020 is the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. It’s the oldest (founded in 1958) and has hosted the 1964 Olympics. Also, it will hold both men’s and women’s soccer games.

Each of these soccer stadiums is unique in its own way. These stadiums for Tokyo 2020 will welcome the best players in the world in a fantastic competition. Don’t miss out on this great sporting event!

Update: Since writing this article, the International Olympic Committee has confirmed that, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be postponed until 2021.