Japan won the first-ever meeting between these two nations but, since then, Mexico have won all five encounters. This includes 2-1 victories at the 2005 and 2013 Confederations Cups, victorious in Hanover and Belo Horizonte, while their most recent encounter was a behind-closed-doors friendly in Austria in 2020, in which Raúl Jiménez and Chucky Lozano scored during a 2-0 victory.
Mexico vs Japan preview
Mexico are showing signs of improvement this year, so will they continue to build momentum ahead of next summer's World Cup on home soil? Back in March, el Tri won the CONCACAF Nations League for the very first time, defeating Panama 2-1 in the final at SoFi Stadium, thanks to Raúl Jiménez's 92nd minute spot-kick. Then, in the summer, Mexico retained their CONCACAF Gold Cup title, fighting back from a goal down to beat fierce rivals United States in the final in Houston, with Jiménez again on target, firing home the equaliser, before Edson Álvarez snatched victory late on.
So, since Javier Aguirre was re-appointed head coach little over a year ago, it's been all smiles for el Tri supporters, following a period of misery, starting with their group stage elimination at the World Cup in Qatar. Before, Mexicans were fearful that their side would embarrass themselves on home soil next summer, but now there is optimism that their side could secure that illusive "quinto partido", having not gone beyond the World Cup round of 16 since they most recently hosted in 1986. Here, will Mexico claim a statement friendly victory at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday night?
As for Japan, they've now qualified for an eighth successive World Cup, featuring at every edition since their debut in 1998. The Samurai Blue absolutely breezed through Asian qualifying, winning 13 of 16 matches, scoring 54 goals and conceding just three, their sole defeat coming against Australia in Perth in June after qualification was already mathematically assured.
Under head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who has been in charge since 2018, there is optimism that this team could reach a first-ever World Cup quarter-final, having been ousted in the round of 16 at the last two tournaments. On Tuesday, the Samurai Blue's stateside tour continues, taking on USA in Columbus, but first can they upset the partisan, pro-Mexican crowd in California on Saturday?
Mexico vs Japan head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 6.
- Mexico Wins: 5. Draws: Zero. Japan Wins: 1.
Mexico team news
Luis Malagón is the number one goalkeeper these days, with 40 year old Guillermo Ochoa not in the squad, even though he was during the summer.
Elsewhere, Edson Álvarez will captain the team from the base of midfield, while 16 year old sensation Gilberto Mora not in the squad this time; he starred during the CONCACAF Gold Cup, becoming the youngest player to win a major international tournament, breaking Lamine Yamal's record.
Mexico predicted lineup vs Japan: (4-3-3): Malagón; Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Álvarez, Ruiz, Pineda; Vega, Lozano, Jiménez.
Mexico player to watch vs Japan
Raúl Jiménez contiues to be this team's talisman, scoring seven times in 2025 already, three of which have come in final victories. His tally of 42 goals for el Tri leaves him ten behind all-time record holder Javier Chicharito Hernández, so can he edge closer to that mark?
Japan team news
Hajime Moriyasu will continue to deploy a back three, featuring US-born Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Wataru Endō of Liverpool will captain the Samurai Blue, winning his 71st senior cap.
Further forward, Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo will start in-behind the lone striker, both very much capable of causing problems.
Japan predicted lineup vs Mexico: (3-4-2-1): Suzuki; Itakura, Watanabe, Seko; Sugawara, Endō, Sano, Mochizuki; Kubo, Mitoma, Ueda.
Japan player to watch vs Mexico
Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda has 14 goals to his name at international level, most recently bagging a brace against Bahrain a year ago, so will he add to his tally in California?
Mexico vs Japan prediction
We are bacing Japan for victory in Oakland. The visitors are a top-class side, so this'll be a serious test for Mexico, hence why we're forecasting victory for the Samurai Blue : Mexico 1-2 Japan.
Mexico vs Japan FAQs - International Friendly
How to watch Mexico vs Japan in an international friendly on TV channel?
Mexico vs Japan in an international friendly will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Fox Sports, Univision NOW & fubo TV.
- Canada: This match is not being broadcast live in Canada.
How to watch Mexico vs Japan in an international friendly on live streaming?
Mexico vs Japan in an international friendly will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Foxsports.com, TUDN.com, Univision & fuboTV
- Canada: This match is not being broadcast live in Canada.
What is the date and kick-off time for Mexico vs Japan in an international friendly?
Mexico vs Japan takes place on Saturday 6 September 2025, with kick off at 3:00am (BST), 22:00 (EDT) & 19:00 (PDT).