Japan to open Kirin Cup against Ecuador on Oct. 1

The Japan Football Association announced the line‑up for the upcoming Kirin Cup Soccer 2026. Japan will face Ecuador in the opening match on 1 October at the National Stadium in Tokyo. The winner of that game will meet the victor of the Panama vs New Zealand match in the final on 5 October, also in Tokyo. Coach Hajime Moriyasu said the tournament, returning after four years, offers strong preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all participating teams having qualified for that event. Japan previously played Uruguay on 24 September and Venezuela on 28 September as part of a South‑American three‑match series.