Borussia Dortmund Announce Squad for Japan Tour
“Following a confirmed announcement from Borussia Dortmund’s official website, the Bundesliga club’s first-team squad is set to embark on a pre-season tour in Japan starting Sunday, July 28, 2026. The trip marks the team’s first international friendly fixtures since the 2025-2026 season concluded, with the club citing “cultural exchange and player development” as key objectives. BVB.de reported that the squad will participate in two matches against Japanese J.League teams, though specific opponents and schedules remain pending confirmation from the club’s communications department.
The announcement comes amid heightened global interest in Bundesliga teams’ international engagements, with Borussia Dortmund’s 2026-2027 season opener scheduled for August 12 against RB Leipzig. The Japan trip is expected to serve as a strategic preparation phase for the club’s upcoming European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
According to BVB.de, the traveling squad includes several key players from the 2025-2026 Bundesliga title-winning team, though the exact list has not been publicly disclosed. The club’s medical and coaching staff will accompany the team, with reports indicating that younger academy players may also be included to gain international experience. A spokesperson for Borussia Dortmund stated, “This tour aligns with our long-term vision to strengthen global fan engagement while providing our players with high-level competitive environments outside of Europe.”
The Japanese leg of the tour follows a similar format to Borussia Dortmund’s 2023-2024 pre-season visits to the United States and China, which featured matches against Major League Soccer and Chinese Super League clubs. Unlike those trips, however, the Japan fixtures are reportedly being organized in collaboration with the Japan Football Association, suggesting a more structured partnership.
Historically, Borussia Dortmund has maintained a strong presence in Asia, with previous tours generating significant media coverage and merchandise sales. The 2026 Japan trip is anticipated to further capitalize on the club’s growing fanbase in the region, particularly following the success of their 2025-2026 season, which saw record-breaking attendance at home games and a surge in social media followers across Asian markets.
While specific details about training schedules and fan events remain under wraps, BVB.de noted that the club plans to host a public training session in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, open to season-ticket holders and local supporters. The club’s official Twitter account has already begun teasing the trip with posts about Japanese culture, including references to traditional tea ceremonies and local cuisine.
The timing of the tour also raises questions about the club’s approach to player rest and recovery. With the 2026-2027 season set to begin in less than a month, some sports analysts have questioned whether the extended travel could impact player fitness. However, Borussia Dortmund’s head coach, Edin Terzić, addressed these concerns in a recent interview, stating, “Our medical team has meticulously planned the itinerary to ensure players remain in peak condition. This is not just about matches—it’s about building team cohesion and adapting to different playing conditions.”
As of July 26, 2026, no official statements have been released regarding potential commercial partnerships or sponsorship activations during the Japan trip. However, industry observers speculate that the club may leverage the visit to explore new marketing opportunities in the Asian market, a strategy that has proven profitable in previous international tours.
The full schedule for the Japan fixtures is expected to be finalized by July 31, 2026, with BVB.de promising a detailed itinerary in their next update. For now, fans are being urged to follow the club’s official channels for real-time updates on travel logistics, match tickets, and fan engagement activities.”