The United States Men’s National Team looks to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to South Korea as they welcome Japan to Columbus for their final match of the September international window. With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, USA vs Japan, both teams are using these friendlies as crucial preparation, though they enter this encounter with contrasting recent trajectories and expectations.
Japan arrives as the technically superior side, having already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup and maintaining its status as Asia’s top-ranked team. The USA, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure under new coach Mauricio Pochettino to show improvement ahead of their home World Cup, particularly after a concerning run of defeats against quality opposition.
USA vs Japan International Friendly Match INFO, team news, H2H, lineups, and prediction
- Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
- Time: 19:30 EDT (23:30 UTC)
- Venue: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Competition: International Friendly
This friendly represents a significant test for both nations as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Japan enters as FIFA’s 15th-ranked team, having already secured automatic qualification for the tournament by topping their Asian qualifying group. The Samurai Blue concluded their qualifying campaign with an impressive record, scoring 30 goals in 10 matches while conceding just 4.
The USA faces this match under considerable scrutiny following their 2-0 defeat to South Korea three days earlier. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT has struggled against top-tier opposition, suffering five consecutive losses against FIFA top-25 teams while being outscored 11-1 in those matches. This represents a crucial opportunity to build momentum before facing Paraguay and Uruguay in October.
Recent Form
USA – Last 5 Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2025 | South Korea | L 0-2 | Friendly |
| Jul 6, 2025 | Mexico | L 1-2 | Gold Cup Final |
| Jul 2, 2025 | Guatemala | W 2-1 | Gold Cup |
| Jun 26, 2025 | Costa Rica | W 2-2 (4-3 pens) | Gold Cup |
| Jun 22, 2025 | Haiti | W 2-1 | Gold Cup |
Japan – Last 5 Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2025 | Mexico | D 0-0 | Friendly |
| Jun 10, 2025 | Indonesia | W 6-0 | WC Qual |
| Jun 6, 2025 | Australia | L 0-1 | WC Qual |
| Mar 26, 2025 | North Korea | W 1-0 | WC Qual |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Bahrain | W 2-0 | WC Qual |
Head to Head
The historical record between these nations is remarkably limited, with only three previous encounters since 1993. Japan leads the series 2-1, having secured victories in their most recent meetings. Their latest encounter came in September 2022, when Japan claimed a convincing 2-0 victory in the Kirin Challenge Cup in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The USA’s sole victory came in February 2006 with a thrilling 3-2 win in a friendly match. Japan’s other triumph dates back to March 1993, when they defeated the USA 3-1 in the Kirin Japan Cup. This limited history makes tactical preparation challenging for both sides.
| Matches Played | USA Wins | Japan Wins | Draws | Goals For USA | Goals For Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
Team News
The USA will be without Timothy Weah, who remains sidelined with injury. Coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to make several changes from the South Korea defeat, potentially giving opportunities to fringe players fighting for World Cup spots.
Christian Pulisic returns to the squad after missing the summer Gold Cup and will be crucial to the USA’s attacking plans.
Japan travels with a strong squad under coach Hajime Moriyasu. Key players include Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, and Wataru Endo from Liverpool.
The team features a blend of experienced European-based players and emerging talents, with Daichi Kamada having scored twice in their recent 6-0 victory over Indonesia.
Current Possible Starting Lineup
USA Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Turner; Dest, Richards, Ream, Arfsten; Adams, Luna; Pulisic, McGlynn, Agyemang; Sargent
Japan Predicted XI (3-4-2-1):
Suzuki; Itakura, Watanabe, Seko; Doan, Endo, Kamada, Mitoma; Kubo, Minamino; Ueda
Match Prediction
Despite playing away from home, Japan enters as favorites given their superior recent form and technical quality. The Samurai Blue have demonstrated remarkable consistency in World Cup qualifying, while the USA has struggled against elite opposition under Pochettino.
Japan’s patient possession-based approach and clinical finishing could exploit the USA’s defensive vulnerabilities exposed against South Korea. However, the USA’s desperation for a positive result and home advantage at Lower.com Field could create an entertaining encounter.
- Predicted Result: USA 1-2 Japan
Japan’s superior technical ability and recent form should prove decisive, though the USA may find the net through individual brilliance from players like Pulisic.
How to Watch the USA vs Japan International Friendly Match?
This friendly represents a crucial test for both teams’ World Cup preparations, with Japan seeking to maintain their impressive form while the USA desperately needs a positive result to restore confidence before the tournament arrives on home soil.
- United States: TNT / FOX Deportes / fuboTV
- Japan: NHK / J Sports
- United Kingdom: Not televised
- Streaming: fuboTV (US) / DAZN (selected regions)
Kick-off Time by Region:
- USA: 19:30 EDT (Tuesday, September 9; 11:30 p.m. GMT/ 07:30 p.m. ET/ 04:30 p.m. PT)
- Japan: 08:30 JST (Wednesday)
- United Kingdom: 00:30 BST (Wednesday)
- Central Europe: 01:30 CEST (Wednesday)