USA vs Japan: Predictions Preview, Lineups, H2h for September 10, 2025

An international friendly match is set for the early hours of Wednesday at Lower.com Field in Columbus, where the United States national team will face Japan. Here’s a look at the potential outcome of this matchup.

Match Preview

The US team has underperformed in recent friendlies, losing to South Korea (0-2), marking their second straight defeat. The team is struggling defensively, allowing six goals in their last three games while scoring only two.

Concerns are rising about their defense and finishing ability just a year before the home World Cup. The national team has faced six losses in 2025, which is a rare occurrence in its history. However, they have had success against Asian teams, winning three of their last four matches in this category.

Japan presents a more balanced and consistent squad. Under Hajime Moriyasu, the team is unbeaten in their last five matches and has kept clean sheets in all of them. While their recent game against Mexico ended in a goalless draw, the “Samurai” often create scoring chances and play solid defense.

Since the beginning of 2024, Japan has lost only once in 17 official matches, securing 14 victories. They are particularly effective when leading 1-0, having won 13 consecutive matches after taking an early lead. Japan has also not lost against CONCACAF teams in their last three encounters.

Probable Lineups

• USA: Freese, Dest, Richards, Ream, Arfsten, Adams, Berhalter, Pulisic, Luna, Weah, Balogun
• Japan: Suzuki, Sugawara, Watanabe, Seko, Doan, Endo, Kamada, Ito, Maeda, Minamino, Ueda

Match Facts and Head-to-Head

• The USA has lost three friendlies in a row, scoring only once during that time.
• Japan is unbeaten in its last six matches, keeping five clean sheets.
• The USA’s only home victory over Japan was in 2006 (3-1).

Prediction

The US national team is facing significant challenges, with a weak defense and unclear strategies. Given their situation, Japan appears to be the favorite, showcasing discipline, consistency, and positive results.