USA hosts Japan in each team's second test at the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) on Saturday at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
The USA Eagles are looking to bounce back after a 34-20 defeat to Canada in their opener. The match that saw Tyler Ardon score a record-tying four tries in his first test appearance since 2021, which also equaled the most tries in a single test by a Canadian.
Meanwhile, Japan enters this contest in strong form after a 57-15 win over Canada. The Brave Blossoms sit at the top of Pool B with an impressive +42 point differential.
Canada currently holds the second spot with a -28 points difference but is in a shaky spot. They will be rooting for Japan over their neighbors. On the other hand, the USA only needs to win this test match to move to second, leapfrog their northern rivals and qualify for the semifinals.
The Pacific Nations Cup carries added weight this year. It serves as a direct qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Excluding Japan and Fiji, who have already qualified, the top three teams will secure a spot in the 24-team tournament two years later in Australia.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff time.
USA vs. Japan Rugby live stream, TV channel
TV channel: CBS Sports Network
Live stream: Fubo US, Paramount+
This USA vs. Japan Rugby match from the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup is available for live TV broadcast in the US on CBS Network. Streaming options are available on Fubo and Paramount+ with the latter showing every match of the tournament and offering a FREE trial to new subscribers.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does USA vs. Japan Rugby kick off?
The USA vs. Japan Rugby clash takes place at Heart Health Park in Sacramento, California and kicks off on Saturday, Sep. 6 at 9:05 p.m. local time (ET)
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Sep. 6 | 9:05 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Sep. 6 | 8:05 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Sep. 6 | 7:05 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Sep. 6 | 6:05 p.m. |
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 schedule
All times ET
Friday, August 22
- Canada 34 def. USA 20 at McMahon Stadium, Calgary (9:00 p.m. ET)
- Tonga 30 def. Samoa 16 at Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa (10:00 p.m. ET)
Friday, August 29
- Fiji 32 def. Tonga 10 at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva (11:00 p.m. ET)
Saturday, August 30
- Japan 57 def. Canada 15 at Yurtec Stadium, Sendai (4:00 a.m.)
Friday, September 5
- Samoa vs. Fiji at Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua (11:00 p.m.)
Saturday, September 6
- USA vs. Japan at Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California (9:05 p.m.)
Sunday, September 14
- A3 vs. B3 (5th Place Play-Off) at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado (2:35 p.m.)
- A2 vs. B1 (Semi-final 1) at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado (5:35 p.m.)
- A1 vs. B2 (Semi-final 2) at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado (8:35 p.m.)
Saturday, September 20
- Loser SF1 vs. Loser SF2 (3rd Place Play-Off) at America First Field, Salt Lake City, Utah (6:35 p.m.)
- Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2 (Final) at America First Field, Salt Lake City, Utah (9:35 p.m.)