Amazingly, these two nations have only ever met three times previously, all in friendlies. Japan won 3-1 in Tokyo in 1993, with USA victorious 3-2 in San Francisco in 2006. Their most-recent clash came in Düsseldorf three years ago, with Daichi Kamada and Kaoru Mitoma on target in a 2-0 win for the Samurai Blue.
USA vs Japan preview
After yet another damaging defeat for the United States on Saturday, can they bounce back in Ohio? At the weekend, the Stars and Stripes were swatted aside 2-0 by Korea Republic in New Jersey, both the goals coming before half time, rarely threatening after that. So, since taking charge almost a year ago, Mauricio Pochettino has lost pretty much every match against a high-quality opponent.
USA did beat Panama in a friendly last October, but have now lost friendlies against Mexico, Türkiye, Switzerland and South Korea, also beaten in the Nations League semi-finals by Panama and July's Gold Cup Final against Mexico. This is certainly a concern ahead of next summer's World Cup, at which the U.S. will be under pressure to make a deep run. After this, Pochettino's team will take on Ecuador, Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay in friendlies in the next couple of months, so any wins will have to be earned. Here, can USA claim a morale-boosting victory against Japan in Columbus?
As for Japan, given all of the above, they surely kick off as favourites. On Saturday night, the Samurai Blue were held to a goalless draw by Mexico in Oakland; in truth, not very much happened! Hajime Moriyasu's side are stepping up their World Cup preparations, have cruised through qualifying as usual, winning 13 of 16 matches, scoring 54 goals and conceding only three, their sole defeat coming against Australia in Perth in June after qualification was already assured.
Thus, Japan have now qualified for every World Cup since making their debut at France '98, dreaming of reaching a first-ever quarter-final, having crashed out in the round of 16 on four occasions. The U.S. famously boast an imperious record in Columbus, losing only one of 14 internationals at either Historic Crew Stadium or the current venue Lower. com Field. However, that record will be seriously tested on Tuesday night, with most forecasting a Japanese victory in Ohio.
USA vs Japan head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 3.
- USA Wins: 1. Draws: Zero. Japan Wins: 2.
USA team news
Mauricio Pochettino made some curious selection decisions at the weekend, handing Tristan Blackmon his senior debut at the back, partnering Tim Ream. This time, usual first-choice Chris Richards could return at centre-back, while teenager Noahkai Banks will be hoping for his own debut.
Elsewhere, Christian Pulisic was deployed on the right-wing with Tim Weah on the opposite side, on the basis that the latter is right-eye dominant, even if the other way round makes far more sense.
Matt Freese will continue to don the gloves, very much the number one at the moment, while Sebastian Berhalter got the nod in midfield, but Luca de la Torre could come in this time.
Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Gio Reyna were among the big names left out of the squad, while Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso and Malik Tillman are not fit enough to be included.
United States predicted lineup vs Japan: (4-3-3): Freese; Dest, Richards, Banks, Arfsten; Adams, Berhalter, Luna; Weah, Pulisic, Balogun.
USA player to watch vs Japan
Folarin Balogun was only fit enough to feature off the bench against Korea Republic, making his first appearance under Pochettino due to injury. He has five international goals to his name, most recently on target against Panama on that infamous night at Copa América, so can he end that draught?
Japan team news
Hajime Moriyasu's side will once again operate in a back three, with Ritsu Dōan and Kaoru Mitoma deployed as very attacking full-backs against Mexico in Oakland.
Elsewhere, Kō Itakura picked up a knock at the weekend, so Hiroki Sekine could come into defence. Yuito Suzuki, Junya Itō and Daizen Maeda all came off the bench in that one, so will be hoping to see more minutes this time.
Japan predicted lineup vs United States: (3-4-2-1): Suzuki; Itakura, Watanabe, Seko; Dōan, Endō, Kamada, Mitoma; Kubo, Minamino, Ueda.
Japan player to watch vs USA
Ayase Ueda has scored 14 international goals in just 32 caps, memorably on target during a 4-1 friendly victory over Germany two years ago, so will he be on target in another away win?
United States vs Japan prediction
As outlined throughout, we're backing an away win in Columbus, Japan are a quality, well-drilled side, everyone in Hajime Moriyasu's side knows their role, all things one cannot say about Mauricio Pochettino's team just now, so there should only be one outcome in Ohio: United States 1-3 Japan.
USA vs Japan FAQs - International Friendly
How to watch United States vs Japan in an international friendly on TV channel?
United States 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: HBO Max, TNT Sports, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo & fuboTV
How to watch United States vs Japan in an international friendly on live streaming?
United States 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: HBO Max, Peacock, UNIVERSO NOW & fuboTV
What is the date and kick-off time for United States vs Japan in an international friendly?
United States vs Japan takes place on Tuesday 9 September 2025, with kick off at 00:30am (BST), 19:30 (EDT) & 16:30 (PDT).