USA — Japan : Match Preview and Prediction for September 10,2025

USA’s Misleading Defeat and Strong Underlying Performance

The US national team suffered a 0-2 defeat against South Korea, but the final score is somewhat misleading. A closer look at the statistics reveals a different narrative. The Americans registered 17 shots on goal compared to Korea’s 5, and their Expected Goals (xG) stood at an impressive 2.23 against 0.74. This strongly suggests that the team generated ample scoring opportunities that day, yet ultimately struggled with their finishing.

Pochettino’s Tactical Masterclass in the Second Half

The second half proved to be a pivotal turning point in the match against the Koreans. Following the break, head coach Mauricio Pochettino implemented a tactical shift, adjusting the team to a system featuring three central defenders. This strategic alteration allowed the Americans to intensify their pressure, push the game further up the pitch from their own goal, and effectively nullify the opponent’s attacking threat, conceding only a single shot on target over the entire 45 minutes.

Anticipated Line-up Changes and Strategic Improvements

Looking ahead to the clash against Japan, I anticipate Pochettino will have thoroughly analyzed the previous game’s lessons. It’s highly probable that Chris Richards will feature in central defense, replacing debutant Tristan Blackmon, who made some errors against Korea. Additionally, we can expect striker Folarin Balogun to start, given his impactful performance off the bench where he created several dangerous opportunities. These anticipated adjustments are set to bolster both the defensive solidity and offensive prowess of the squad.

The Unmistakable Home Advantage in Columbus

The significant home-field advantage cannot be overlooked. The match will be held in Columbus, Ohio, a city that has historically proven to be a fortunate venue for the US national team. The squad enjoys a high winning percentage and robust crowd support there. Furthermore, in their last 20 home fixtures, the USA has avoided defeat in 17, presenting a compelling argument in their favor.

Japan’s Recent Form and Attacking Struggles

The Japanese national team approaches this match in less than optimal form. In their most recent outing, they were unable to break down Mexico’s defense, resulting in a goalless 0-0 draw. Despite creating chances, the Japanese players lacked clinical finishing in the final third, highlighting some clear issues within their attacking setup.

Physical Fatigue from Extensive Travel

The physical condition of the Japanese squad is a significant concern. The team undertook an extensive journey from Auckland to Columbus, covering over 3000 kilometers and crossing multiple time zones. With only two days allocated for recovery and match preparation, this demanding travel schedule is bound to impact the players’ freshness and overall readiness for the game.

Anticipated Squad Rotation and Experimental Lineup

Japan’s head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, has already indicated his intention to implement significant squad rotation. He plans to give playing time to numerous players, aiming to assess the depth of his reserves. This implies that the team facing the USA will likely be an experimental and less cohesive lineup, which clearly favors the American side.

Key Player Absences and Injury Concerns

Compounding their personnel challenges is the loss of a key attacking player, Ritsu Doan, who has left the national team camp. His absence will undoubtedly diminish Japan’s offensive capabilities. Furthermore, the participation of defender Ko Itakura and forward Takefusa Kubo remains uncertain due to injuries sustained, further weakening their options.