Nashville is still stepping onto the global stage during the World Cup.Years ago, uncertainty surrounding the future of Nissan Stadium kept Nashville from becoming a host city. Still, the tournament is bringing an international spotlight to Music City in another way: Samurai Blue, Japan’s national team, has chosen Nashville as its basecamp during the competition.Today, we hear a preview of the players and the competition and what it takes to host a world-class team. We’ll also explore Nashville’s decades-long relationship with Japan – a connection that dates back to the late 1970s, when Gov. Lamar Alexander helped recruit Nissan to build its first American manufacturing plant here.This episode was produced by Justin Barney.GuestsMike Woitalla, executive editor, Soccer AmericaTeresa Tatlonhari, VP of Marketing & Communications, Nashville Soccer ClubMina Johnson, former Councilmember, Metro NashvilleMasami Tyson, chief of staff, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell