Japan's first match since the World Cup: Uruguay come to town

Updated 2026-09-22

With the European leagues paused for the international window, Japan play their first match since the World Cup in June, hosting Uruguay. It opens a two-game South American double-header that continues against Venezuela on 28 September, and the first thing to watch is how the World Cup regulars are blended with the younger players who have been called up since.

Japan

· Thu, 24 Sep 2026 19:05 JST

JPN Japan vs ウルグアイ代表 URU

3-4-2-1 vs 4-4-2

Japan's first outing since the World Cup, against Uruguay

Japan have not played since the World Cup in June, so this is the first time in roughly three months that the squad reassembles for a match. Uruguay come first, with Venezuela to follow on 28 September, making it a South American double-header. The opening question is simply what the team looks like as it starts a new cycle.
Look down the list of attackers Japan have leaned on and the problem is abundance rather than scarcity. Ayase Ueda broke the record for goals by a Japanese player in the Eredivisie at Feyenoord; Takefusa Kubo runs Real Sociedad's right side with his left foot; Kaoru Mitoma built a world-class reputation at Brighton; Ritsu Doan's cut inside and shoot is a signature move. Against a South American defence, which combination is chosen will shape the whole evening.
The other end is just as interesting. Zion Suzuki, 190cm and comfortable enough with the ball to act as a first passer, moved from Parma to Aston Villa this summer, and ahead of him sit options such as Ko Itakura at Ajax, Tsuyoshi Watanabe at Feyenoord and the left-footed Hiroki Ito, whose distribution from the back is his calling card. Kick-off is Thursday evening in Japan.