Walking Football at the World Nations Cup 2025: An Interview with a Japan National Team Player

Representing Japan on the international stage, Tatsuya Benkan of HORIBA STEC Co., Ltd. competed at the World Nations Cup 2025—the second Walking Football world tournament—held in Spain from October 21 to 24, 2025.

Walking football is a lifelong sport that originated in England in 2011 and is characterized by one unique rule: running is not allowed. Because players must always walk, the risk of injury is relatively low, and people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the game safely, regardless of their previous sporting experience.

We spoke with Mr. Benkan, who made his first appearance on the world stage at this tournament, about his reflections on the tournament and his goals for the future.

– How did you first get started with walking football?

I originally played in an amateur adult football league in Kyoto, and I am still involved there in a dual role as both coach and player. Football has always been a significant part of my life.

When some of my friends and senior teammates took part in the 1st Walking Football World Tournament in 2023, I was greatly inspired by their experience. This motivated me to start participating in various walking football events myself. In June 2024, I attended a training course organized by the Japan Football Association to become a Walking Football Coordinator, and from March 2025 I began my activities as a member of the Japan national team.

– Looking back, how do you feel about the tournament?

I played in the men’s over‑50 category. Over the three days of the preliminary round, we went up against some of the strongest teams in the world. We lost all seven matches, scoring one goal and conceding 21, and we were knocked out in the preliminary round. The result was honestly heartbreaking.

There were games we truly felt we could win. But by the final whistle, I couldn’t ignore the gap between us and the world’s top sides-physically, mentally, and in how we handled key moments.

Even so, getting to test ourselves on the stage meant a lot to me, and I came away with lessons I’ll carry into what comes next.

– This was your first time competing on the world stage in walking football. What did you find challenging?

The biggest challenge was the difference between the rules we play under in Japan and international rules. In Japan, there is a unique rule: you don’t take the ball away from an opponent who already has possession. It leads to a relaxed, friendly style of play. Internationally, though, you are allowed to challenge for the ball from the front, which instantly raises the intensity and changes the rhythm of the game.

Once we knew we’d be playing in the World Tournament, we did train using the international rules. Still, just as I was starting to adjust to the pace and physicality of real matches against overseas teams, the tournament was already coming to an end. That left me frustrated because I felt we were only just getting started.

But outside the matches, the atmosphere couldn’t have been warmer. We took photos together, swapped a few words in whatever language we could, and shared plenty of laughs with players from all over the world. Those moments of connection have become some of my favorite memories from the tournament.

– Finally, could you tell us about your goals going forward?

Playing on a major global stage showed me-up close, where Japan stands right now, and what we need to close the gap. More than anything, it lit a fire in me: I want to get stronger.
My goal is to return in two years for the next World Tournament, and this time, to earn our first win. To make that happen, I will keep training, one step at a time.

At the same time, I want to help more people discover walking football. It’s a sport anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or gender, and it naturally brings smiles and mutual respect to the pitch. By inviting others to join and meeting more people through the game, I hope to help grow the walking football community.

Support for Sports - HORIBA

International Walking Football - FIWFA - Walking Football World Cup