The United States men’s national team takes the field against Japan in Columbus carrying a heavy weight on its shoulders. The loss to South Korea left scars and exposed problems that can’t be hidden anymore. Mauricio Pochettino knows patience is thin and that repeating the same mistakes at home could be costly, even in a friendly. And let’s be honest, this game is far from being “just another test.” It brings together history, pressure and symbolism in a place that’s always been special for the USMNT. There are plenty of reasons not to take your eyes off this matchup.
1. Pochettino under pressure
The Argentine was hired to make the team competitive with less than a year to go before the World Cup on American soil. But the numbers haven’t helped: six losses in 13 games in 2025 and only one goal scored in the last three friendlies. Against Japan, the team needs to show it learned from its mistakes. It’s not about winning at all costs, it’s about convincing. And that starts with Pochettino, who knows every move he makes will be scrutinized.
2. Columbus as a special stage
Columbus isn’t just another city on the USMNT map. In 14 matches there, the team has won 10 and lived through moments that became part of its identity, like the legendary “Dos a Cero” against Mexico in 2001. Lower.com Field carries good memories, but also the weight of expectation that this could be another turning point. For a team battling with its own confidence, playing in a stadium this symbolic can be fuel or a burden. What will define that is how they perform once the whistle blows.
3. Japan as a real test
Japan comes to Columbus in form. Ranked 17th by FIFA, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and with a squad spread across Europe’s top leagues, they arrive organized and confident. Names like Wataru Endo, Mitoma and Kubo bring quality and international experience to a side that rarely loses its shape. For the United States, facing an opponent of this caliber is more than preparation, it’s a measure of strength. Handle it well, and it proves the USMNT can compete with teams that have a clear identity. If not, the doubts only grow.
4. A chance for new protagonists
The American squad has familiar faces, but this game could open the door for new stories. Max Arfsten and Sean Zawadzki from Columbus Crew may wear the national team jersey in front of their home fans. Balogun and Weah, who wasted good chances against South Korea, need to show more efficiency. Every friendly is a chance to earn a spot with the World Cup in mind, and Japan is no different. It’s the type of game that can shift the pecking order within the squad.
5. Styles that promise a clash
On one side, an American team that creates chances and shoots but hasn’t been able to turn that into goals. On the other, a Japan side built on discipline and a defense that’s conceded only two goals in its last eight games. The contrast sets the stage for a tight battle: US intensity and offensive volume against Japanese organization and efficiency. And that’s the beauty of this so-called friendly, because at the end of the day, nobody on either side treats it as just that.