USA vs Japan Friendly: Preview, Prediction and Key Team News

The USA will take on Japan in a high-profile friendly at Lower.com Field in Columbus on Tuesday. The game comes after the Americans lost 2-0 to South Korea. Japan arrive following a 0-0 draw with Mexico.

This clash is the fourth all-time meeting between the two nations. The USA have struggled in recent matches, while Japan have shown strong form and defensive stability. Both sides will look to use this match as preparation ahead of major tournaments next year.

USA vs Japan Match Preview and Lineups

The USA enter this match under pressure. They have lost three straight friendlies and scored just once during that run. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has seen his team concede six goals in those games. With the World Cup on home soil less than a year away, these results raise concern.

Christian Pulisic is set to make his 80th appearance. Youngsters Sean Zawadzki and Max Arfsten could also feature in front of their home club fans in Columbus. Matt Freese may start in goal again after appearing in the last match.

Japan arrive with momentum. Hajime Moriyasu’s side have lost only one of their last 17 competitive games. They have also kept five clean sheets in their past six matches. Star forward Takumi Minamino is one goal away from tying ninth on Japan’s all-time scoring list. Takefusa Kubo is close to 50 international appearances.

USA possible XI: Freese; Dest, Richards, Ream, Arfsten; Adams, Berhalter; Pulisic, Luna, Weah; Balogun.
Japan possible XI: Suzuki; Sugawara, Watanabe, Seko; Doan, Endo, Kamada, Ito; Maeda, Minamino; Ueda.

Form Guide and What to Expect

The USA have now lost six times in 2025. It is only the fourth year in history they have reached that number of defeats. Their lack of goals is a key issue. Reuters reported that Pochettino’s men have scored one or fewer goals in seven of their games this year.

Japan, on the other hand, are in strong shape. They have won 14 of their last 17 competitive fixtures. Their defense is among the best in Asia. They are unbeaten in their past three games against CONCACAF teams.

If the USA can find rhythm early and take chances, they could match Japan’s intensity. But Japan’s solid back line and quick transition play make them tough to break down. The first goal may prove decisive.

This game offers the USA a chance to recover confidence. For Japan, it is an opportunity to continue building momentum.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When is the USA vs Japan match?

The match is on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. It will be played at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

Q2: What is the USA recent form?

The USA have lost three straight friendlies. They have scored only once during this period and conceded six goals.

Q3: How is Japan performing in 2025?

Japan have lost just once in their last 17 competitive games. They have kept five clean sheets in their past six matches.

Q4: Who are the key players to watch?

Christian Pulisic leads the USA attack. For Japan, Takumi Minamino and Takefusa Kubo are the main threats.

Q5: What happened in the last USA vs Japan meeting?

The last meeting in the USA was in 2006. The Yanks won 3-1 in San Francisco.