What changed
2026-08-07 02:43 UTC → 2026-08-08 03:45 UTC ·
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After Japan’s Following an early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Japan Football Association arranged scheduled a series of post‑World friendlies and a revived Kirin Cup matches to rebuild confidence and prepare for upcoming qualifiers. On 24 September, the squad. Japan will host hosted Uruguay (ranked 20th) at Q&A Stadium on 24 September in Miyagi as part of the Kirin Challenge Cup, with the game slated for live national TV broadcast. Four days later, on 28 September, the Samurai Blue will meet and faced Venezuela (ranked 47th) on 28 September in Hiroshima, offering another test ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup. In late July, the JFA formally announced the Venezuela friendly, confirming it Hiroshima as the first senior‑team A‑match after the World Cup and highlighting coach Hajime Moriyasu’s aim to gauge the squad’s progress. part of a South‑American three‑match series. The following week, the association expanded the schedule, revealing that the Kirin Cup will continue resumes in October October, with a knockout stage: Japan will face opening the tournament against Ecuador on 1 October at Yokohama International Stadium, followed by a semi‑final on 5 October against either the National Stadium in Tokyo. The winner of that match will meet the victor of the Panama or vs New Zealand at the National Stadium, depending semi‑final on earlier results. These additional 5 October, also in Tokyo, to decide the tournament champion. Coach Hajime Moriyasu emphasised that the fixtures are presented as further provide strong preparation for future competitive matches. ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 Asian Cup.