Fresh off their recapture of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Mexico look to press forward with preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they meet Japan in a friendly from Oakland, California on Saturday night.
El Tri saw themselves jump all the way to 13th in the world after their continental crown, passing Gold Cup runners-up USA in the process.
The focus is now entirely on next summer's World Cup, which will be played partially on home soil alongside joint hosts USA and Canada. Having been dumped from the 2022 tournament in the group stage, Mexico are seeking a return to prominence by qualifying for the knockout rounds in 2026.
Japan, like Mexico, are the highest-ranked nation in their confederation, sitting 17th in the world according to the FIFA algorithm. They have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup as they finished atop their group in the third round of AFC qualification, securing a guaranteed spot in the expanded field.
MORE: Updated list of teams qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Mexico vs. Japan lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has been called back into the Mexico squad for the first time since early 2024, as he's been a key player for San Diego FC in MLS. However, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who was part of the Gold Cup squad this summer, was left out as he still has not found a club.
Monterrey striker German Berterame has been called up thanks to an explosive start to the season, while uncapped midfielder Juanjo Purata has been called in.
Gold Cup final starter Gilberto Mora is not with the group as he is part of the U-20 World Cup squad, along with Obed Vargas. Other prominent players left out include Gerardo Arteaga, Luis Romo, Luis Chavez, and Henry Martin. Forward Cesar Huerta withdrew due to an undisclosed injury.
Mexico predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Malagon (GK) — J. Sanchez, Montes, J. Vasquez, Gallardo — C. Rodriguez, Alvarez, M. Ruiz — Alvarado, Jimenez, Lozano
Full Mexico roster
Goalkeepers: Luis Malagon (Club America), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca), Raul Rangel (Guadalajara)
Defenders: Mateo Chavez (AZ Alkmaar), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Rodrigo Huescas (FC Copenhagen), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Jesus Orozco (Cruz Azul), Juanjo Purata (Tigres), Jorge Sanchez (Cruz Azul), Johan Vasquez (Genoa)
Midfielders: Edson Alvarez (Fenerbahce), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Marcel Ruiz (Toluca), Erick Sanchez (Club America)
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado (Chivas Guadalajara), German Berterame (Monterrey), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Raul Jimenez (Fulham), Diego Lainez (Tigres), Hirving Lozano (FC San Diego), Alexis Vega (Toluca).
Japan have brought a full-strength squad to the United States for their pair of September friendlies, with European-based stars Wataru Endo, Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, Daichi Kamada, Daizen Maeda, and Takumi Minamino in tow.
Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito has been missing since March due to a fractured foot, while domestic-based midfielder Koki Kumasaka is still recovering from a torn ACL. Defender Tomoya Ando was called in but withdrew from the squad due to injury.
Japan predicted lineup (3-4-3, right to left): Suzuki (GK) — Sugawara, Itakura, Seko — Takai, Endo, Tanaka, Nakamura — Kubo, Maeda, Kamada
Full Japan roster
Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Zion Suzuki (Parma)
Defenders: Hayato Araki (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Hiroki Sekine (Reims), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen)
Midfielders: Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Joel Chima Fujita (St. Pauli), Junya Ito (Genk), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco), Karou Mitoma (Brighton), Henry Heroki Mochizuki (Machida Zelvia), Kaishu Sano (Mainz), Kodai Sano (NEC Nijmegen)
Forwards: Mao Hosoya (Kashiwa Reysol), Shuto Machino (Gladbach), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen), Yuito Suzuki (Freiburg), Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord).
Mexico vs. Japan match details
- Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
- Location: Oakland Coliseum (Oakland, CA)
- Last meeting: Japan 0-2 Mexico (Nov. 17, 2020 | Friendly)