Teen in Nashville cheers for Japan at World Cup while dreaming of joining women’s squad (opens original article in a new tab)

A 16-year-old Japanese girl in Nashville aims to join Japan's women's national soccer team, having already been selected for youth squads and planning to attend Yale University.

• 16-year-old Izumi Wakatsuki, living in Nashville, Tennessee, aspires to join Japan's women's national soccer team.
• Wakatsuki has been selected for multiple youth national teams, including U-16 and U-17 squads, and will attend Yale University in 2027.
• She watched the Japanese men's team practice and received encouragement from player Yukinari Sugawara.