Overview and Key Details
Mexico and Japan played to a 0-0 draw in a pre-World Cup 2026 friendly match held at the Coliseo del Condado Oakland-Alameda in California on Saturday.
The match started with Japan’s high-intensity, vertical playing style, leaving Mexico’s defense scrambling. The Japanese players showcased superiority in one-on-one situations.
Notable Moments
- At minute 11, Japanese forward Takefusa Kubo attempted a powerful shot from outside the area, which was saved by Mexican goalkeeper Ángel Malagón.
- Mexico’s first offensive opportunity came at minute 22, but they failed to convert it into a shot on goal.
- Mexico leveled the game in the second half’s early stages, displaying increased presence and possession in Japan’s territory.
- At minute 53, Takumi Minamino missed a header just above the crossbar. Mexico responded quickly with a shot that Roberto Alvarado sent over the crossbar.
- Mexico finally pressured Japan’s goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki, who deflected a header from Érik Lira at minute 67.
- In Mexico’s last goal-scoring chance at minute 88, Argentine-Mexican Germán Berterame crossed the ball wide of the left post.
- Mexico finished the match with ten players after César Montes was sent off in stoppage time (90+2).
Frustrated by the scoreless draw, Mexican fans booed their team at the end of the match.
Quotes from Coaches
“I believe the result is fair,” said Javier Aguirre, Mexico’s head coach, during the post-match conference. “In my opinion, it was a very evenly matched game; the first half belonged to them, and we were slightly better in the second.”
Aguirre elaborated on Japan’s playing style: “Their speed surprised us, and their intensity: they forced 20 fouls from our team. I knew they were very intense. I met their coach when I was there; he made his players run, shoot, and be very competitive, with 90% of them playing in Europe, so they have a different training level.”
Japan’s head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, commented: “Mexico was very disciplined and difficult to break down.” He added, “I wasn’t surprised by how Javier Aguirre set up the game.”
Upcoming Matches
Mexico will face South Korea in another pre-World Cup 2026 friendly match on Tuesday at the Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee. South Korea defeated the United States 2-0 in a friendly match on Saturday, with Tottenham ex-player Son Heung-min scoring a goal and providing an assist.
Japan will play against the United States on Tuesday as well, at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
Starting Lineups
Mexico:
- Goalkeeper: Ángel Malagón
- Defenders: Jorge Sánchez, César Montes (expelled), Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo
- Midfielders: Edson Álvarez (Erik Lira, 31), Marcel Ruiz (Carlos Rodríguez, 81); Roberto Alvarado (Germán Berterame, 61), Orbelín Pineda (Érick Sánchez, 61); Alexis Vega (Hirving Lozano, 60); Raúl Jiménez (Santiago Giménez, 61)
- Head Coach: Javier Aguirre
Japan:
- Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki
- Defenders: Ayumu Seko, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Kou Itakura (Hiroki Sekine, 60);
- Midfielders: Daichi Kamada (Kaishu Sano, 69), Wataru Endo; Ritsu Doan (Shuto Machino, 81), Takefusa Kubo (Daizen Maeda, 69), Takumi Minamino (Junya Ito, 69), Kaoru Mitoma (Yuito Suzuki, 81)
- Head Coach: Hajime Moriyasu
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the coaches and what did they say? Javier Aguirre, Mexico’s head coach, believed the result was fair and acknowledged Japan’s high intensity. Hajime Moriyasu, Japan’s head coach, praised Mexico’s discipline and difficulty to break down.
- What were the notable moments in the match? Both teams had chances to score, with Japan’s Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino coming close and Mexico’s Érik Lira and Germán Berterame also testing Japan’s goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki.
- What are the upcoming matches for both teams? Mexico will face South Korea on Tuesday, while Japan will play against the United States. Both matches are part of their World Cup 2026 preparations.
