Sagan Tosu's Coach Supports Argentina in World Cup Final Despite Spanish Ties

Sagan Tosu FC's youth team coach, Takuma Hidaka, has voiced his support for Argentina in the upcoming FIFA World Cup final against Spain, despite the club's historical ties to Spanish football through Fernando Torres. In a recent interview, Hidaka expressed his admiration for Messi and discussed the challenges Japan faces in advancing in World Cup tournaments. He also reflected on Torres' positive impact at the club and emphasized the importance of hard work in developing Japanese football. The coach's insights following a match against Bengaluru FC highlight the ongoing commitment to improvement within the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 18, 2026, 05:56 IST

Sagan Tosu's Unique Connection to Spain

Sagan Tosu FC, a prominent football club in Japan, has a notable link to Spain, having had FIFA World Cup champion Fernando Torres play for them during the 2018-19 season. As the FIFA World Cup final approaches, with Spain set to face Argentina, Takuma Hidaka, the youth team coach at Sagan Tosu, has expressed his support for Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, to win their second consecutive title on July 20.

Coach's Preference for Messi

Despite the club's Spanish heritage, Hidaka has voiced his desire to see Messi lift the trophy again. In a conversation following a match against Bengaluru FC during the Reliance Foundation Development Tour in Japan, he stated, "Personally, I would love to see Messi win the World Cup again."

Argentina has also contributed significantly to the J-League, with several stars like Sergio Batista, Pedro Pasculli, Hector Enrique, and Diego Maradona's brother, Hugo, having played in Japan.

Fernando Torres' Influence at Sagan Tosu

Reflecting on Torres' time with the club, Hidaka noted that the former Spanish striker was actively involved at the academy level, engaging with young players and coaching staff. "He was very supportive and interacted frequently with the youth team, which was greatly appreciated by everyone involved," he remarked.

Japan's World Cup Aspirations

Japan continues to face challenges in advancing beyond the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup, having recently exited in the round of 32 after a defeat to Brazil. Despite previous appearances in the knockout stages, the national team is determined to improve and acknowledges the need to compete against physically stronger opponents.

Hidaka emphasized that at the club level, efforts are being made to help Japan overcome its historical hurdles in the World Cup. He stated, "Japan has shown its maximum potential at this point, and we are focused on becoming more competitive in the future."

Commitment to Development

Discussing the evolution of Japanese football, particularly at the grassroots and J-League levels, Hidaka highlighted the commitment to hard work. "At Sagan Tosu, we prioritize hard work, and we are beginning to see positive results. I believe the entire country is dedicated to giving its all to the sport," he added.

Insights from the Bengaluru FC Match

After a 2-0 loss to Bengaluru FC's youth team, Hidaka praised the Indian players and acknowledged the challenges his team faced. He noted, "The match was intense from the start, but we made two critical mistakes that led to goals. We need to improve our preparation for future games."

He concluded by commending Bengaluru FC, stating, "They were an excellent team, and there were many learning opportunities for our players. This match was beneficial for both teams."