Attending The Genuine Cup Soccer Tournament
2026/8/3
Remarks from Consul-General Koyama
Group Photo at Pep Rally
Players from Both Teams Commend Each Other
Commemorative Photo after the Third-place Match
From July 27 to August 1, 2026, the Genuine Cup¹ was held in Houston. The Genuine Cup is an international soccer tournament designed for players with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Competing against 53 teams from around the world, Yokohama F. Marinos Futuro² represented Japan, putting up a remarkable performance and earning an impressive third-place finish.
On July 30, Consul-General Koyama attended a pep rally for Yokohama F. Marinos Futuro, which was hosted by the Japan-America Society of Houston. He offered warm words of encouragement to the team members and connected with them through friendly conversations. Additionally, on Saturday, August 1, Consul-General Koyama attended the third-place match in person to passionately cheer on the team.
The Genuine Cup is more than just a competition to determine wins and rankings. It is a valuable platform for international exchange where people from diverse cultures and backgrounds may understand and deeply respect one another through the common language of soccer. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the members of Yokohama F. Marinos Futuro, whose outstanding teamwork and unwavering determination earned them a brilliant third-place finish.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston will continue to support, in collaboration with local organizations, efforts toward social inclusion that leaves no one behind and community building.
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¹ The Genuine Cup is an international tournament for players with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bringing together diverse athletes from around the world, it promotes social inclusion and international exchange through sport. In addition to competitions, the event offers numerous opportunities for interaction between players and the local community, serving as a means to foster cross-border bonds and friendships.
² Yokohama F. Marinos Futuro was established in 2004 as the first soccer team for individuals with intellectual disabilities to be affiliated with a J.League club. Operated in collaboration with Yokohama Rapport and the Yokohama Sports Association, the team works to create an environment where everyone can readily enjoy soccer while actively engaging in exchange activities that transcend the presence or absence of disabilities.
On July 30, Consul-General Koyama attended a pep rally for Yokohama F. Marinos Futuro, which was hosted by the Japan-America Society of Houston. He offered warm words of encouragement to the team members and connected with them through friendly conversations. Additionally, on Saturday, August 1, Consul-General Koyama attended the third-place match in person to passionately cheer on the team.
The Genuine Cup is more than just a competition to determine wins and rankings. It is a valuable platform for international exchange where people from diverse cultures and backgrounds may understand and deeply respect one another through the common language of soccer. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the members of Yokohama F. Marinos Futuro, whose outstanding teamwork and unwavering determination earned them a brilliant third-place finish.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston will continue to support, in collaboration with local organizations, efforts toward social inclusion that leaves no one behind and community building.
__________
¹ The Genuine Cup is an international tournament for players with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bringing together diverse athletes from around the world, it promotes social inclusion and international exchange through sport. In addition to competitions, the event offers numerous opportunities for interaction between players and the local community, serving as a means to foster cross-border bonds and friendships.
² Yokohama F. Marinos Futuro was established in 2004 as the first soccer team for individuals with intellectual disabilities to be affiliated with a J.League club. Operated in collaboration with Yokohama Rapport and the Yokohama Sports Association, the team works to create an environment where everyone can readily enjoy soccer while actively engaging in exchange activities that transcend the presence or absence of disabilities.