The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) faces a serious test against Japan after a disappointing loss to South Korea. While Japan does not have a star like Christian Pulisic, their team is full of players competing at top European clubs. They were also the first Asian team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, showing their growing strength.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo said after qualifying that the team is already thinking about winning the World Cup. Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada echoed that sentiment, signaling Japan’s high ambitions. While Japan has never won a knockout match at a World Cup, the team has shown it can challenge elite opponents. In 2022, Japan only lost to Croatia on penalties after beating Spain and Germany in the group stage.
Japan’s current squad combines experience and skill. Alongside Endo and Kamada, Kaoru Mitoma shines in the Premier League, and Takefusa Kubo performs well in Spain. Coach Hajime Moriyasu can choose a fully European-based roster, giving the team a tactical edge. Japan’s style is defined by technical skill, quick movement, and strong organization without the ball.
Japan played close to their strongest lineup in a 0-0 draw with Mexico. However, travel and a short turnaround between games may force changes. Moriyasu has said he wants to give as many players as possible some minutes. Stars like Mitoma, Endo, and Kubo could start on the bench in Columbus.
Japan has struggled historically against teams from the Americas. A draw against Mexico is a decent result, but Japan must learn to close tight matches. Coach Moriyasu has emphasized the need for a reliable goal scorer. Players like Ayase Ueda have performed well against Asian teams, but scoring against stronger international sides remains a challenge.
Japan’s early qualification for the 2026 World Cup allowed Moriyasu to rotate players in the last qualifiers. While the younger players performed well, they also missed key chances, showing the difficulty of stepping up in high-pressure games. Japan scored 53 goals and conceded only three across 16 qualifying matches, but real tests against top global teams will be tougher.
Most Asian countries hire foreign managers, but Moriyasu is an exception. Since taking over in 2018, he has built Japan into a strong, organized team with a clear style of play. While some critics see him as conservative, his approach has delivered results, and he can experiment with tactics and lineups. Against the USMNT, Moriyasu may test new formations or try players in different roles.
The 2026 World Cup will be his biggest challenge. Japan’s coaching development lags behind its European counterparts, but Moriyasu has maximized the talent in his squad. Success on the global stage could elevate both him and Japanese coaching standards.
Japan is fast, technical, and well-organized. They press high and challenge their opponents early. With many players now competing in Europe, the Americans will face opponents used to elite competition. Japan’s tactical discipline and European experience make them a difficult team to beat, even if they rotate the squad.
For the USMNT, the game is more than a friendly. It is an opportunity to measure themselves against one of Asia’s strongest sides and see how they respond after a tough loss to South Korea. Players like Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest, and Tim Weah will need to bring creativity, energy, and focus. The Samurai Blue’s mix of youth, experience, and European training could pose serious challenges in defense and attack.
As the US prepares, Japan will look to continue its rise on the world stage. Moriyasu’s team is well-drilled, confident, and eager to test itself against international opponents. For the Americans, it will be a key lesson in facing a disciplined, skillful, and ambitious opponent ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
