USMNT Clashes with Japan: High-Stakes Friendly Showdown - Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
The United States men's national soccer team welcomes Japan to Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio to wrap up the September international window.
A defeat against South Korea marred the beginning of the break as LAFC star Son Heung-min contributed two goals in the opening half to decide the match. Dubious team selection choices have supporters wondering if manager Mauricio Pochettino understands his optimal starting eleven with the World Cup approaching rapidly.
As for Japan, the Samurai Blue secured a scoreless stalemate versus Mexico in their previous outing. Japan prevailed over the USMNT when these two nations last met in 2022. Despite this being merely an international exhibition, the Stars and Stripes will be motivated to deliver an impressive display to restore confidence as players head back to their clubs following the contest.
Here's all the essential information about Tuesday's fixture.
What Time Does USMNT vs. Japan Kick-Off?
USMNT vs. Japan Complete Head-to-Head Record
Current Form (All Competitions)
USMNT | Japan |
|---|---|
USMNT 0–2 South Korea - 9/6/25 | Mexico 0–0 Japan - 9/6/25 |
USMNT 1–2 Mexico - 7/6/25 | Japan 6–0 South Korea - 6/10/25 |
USMNT 2–1 Guatemala - 7/2/25 | Australia 1–0 Japan - 6/5/25 |
USMNT 2–2 Costa Rica - 6/29/2025 | Japan 0–0 Saudi Arabia - 3/25/25 |
USMNT 2–1 Haiti -6/22/2025 | Japan 2–0 Bahrain - 3/20/25 |
How to Watch USMNT vs. Japan on TV, Live Stream
Language | Channel |
|---|---|
English | TNT, HBO Max, Peacock |
Spanish | Telemundo, Universo |
USMNT Team News
Pochettino will probably field his strongest XI for the match, having most key players available in camp except for individuals like Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson and Malik Tillman. The Argentine manager will likely give Diego Luna another opportunity in the number 10 role seeking an enhanced showing from a supporter favorite. Christian Pulisic begins on the flank, but two positions require attention.
Chris Richards should enter the lineup replacing Tristan Blackmon and Folarin Balogun ought to spearhead the attack rather than Josh Sargent.
USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Japan
USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Japan (4-2-3-1): Freese; Dest, Richards, Ream, Arfsten; Adams, De la Torre; Weah, Luna, Pulisic; Balogun
Japan Team News
Hajime Moriyasu's squad earned a draw in their last encounter against the Mexico national team. It wasn't due to lack of opportunities as Japan generated numerous chances against El Tri. However, the Samurai Blue couldn't manage to score.
Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino should drive the offensive effort with Ayase Ueda leading the front line. Japan also possess players like Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitoma to utilize on the wings with Wataru Endō and Daichi Kamada creating a Premier League-focused midfield duo.
A player to monitor for Japan is Ajax center-back Ko Itakura after departing early with an injury concern against Mexico. Don't anticipate Moriyasu making significant changes to his formation given the talent at his disposal.
Japan Predicted Lineup vs. USMNT
Japan Predicted Lineup vs. USMNT (3-4-2-1): Suzuki; Seko, Watanabe, Itakura; Doan, Kamada, Endo, Mitoma; Kubo, Ueda, Minamino
USMNT vs. Japan Score Prediction
The USMNT absolutely cannot afford to lose this match, even though it's an international friendly. Wednesday, Sept. 10 represents the one-year milestone since Mauricio Pochettino was announced as Gregg Berhalter's replacement. With 10 victories and seven defeats across all competitions in his initial 17 matches as manager, consecutive friendly losses in September would dampen spirits further despite Pochettino's belief that winning isn't necessary until the World Cup begins.
Nevertheless, regardless of the pressure to succeed, Japan claims victory by capitalizing on what appears to be an undermanned USMNT roster with less than twelve months remaining before the major tournament on American soil.
Score Prediction: USMNT 1–2 Japan