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Japan national team faces New Zealand in Kirin Cup 2026 final
The Japan national football team is set to face New Zealand in the final of the Kirin Cup 2026 at the National Stadium on October 5. Following a three-match winning streak against South American opponents, manager Hajime Moriyasu has indicated that he will not make major changes to the lineup, focusing on maintaining the momentum established during the recent international window.
Key players expected to feature include Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Ayase Ueda. Midfielder Daichi Kamada has noted the team's need to increase shot frequency to compete with top-tier global sides. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki expressed readiness to handle potential penalty shootouts, similar to the recent match against Ecuador.
New Zealand enters the match under the leadership of manager Darren Breesley, who recently led the team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be broadcast nationally in Japan via TV Asahi and streamed on platforms such as ABEMA and DAZN.
In related squad news, defender Henry Kaito Mochizuki briefly left the camp due to club commitments with FC Machida Zelvia but was scheduled to rejoin the team for the final match.
Entities
Chris Wood · Darren Barmby · FC Machida Zelvia · Hajime Moriyasu · Henry Henry Mochizuki · Japan Football Association · Japan national football team · National Stadium · New Zealand national football team · Takefusa Kubo · Tsuyoshi Kuroda