Sports Mole previews Sunday's International Friendlies clash between Mexico and Japan, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Mexico take on Japan at the Oakland Coliseum on Sunday in their first outing since lifting the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
With both nations already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this clash serves as a high-level test and an opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of the tournament.
Match preview
Mexico return to action for the first time since edging the United States 2-1 in the Gold Cup final - a victory that sealed their 10th title, making them the most successful nation in the competition's history.
Javier Aguirre's men went unbeaten through the tournament, opening with a 3-2 win over the Dominican Republic, followed by a 2-0 victory against Suriname and a goalless draw with Costa Rica in the group stage.
They went on to beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the quarter-finals and Honduras 1-0 in the semi-finals and then sealed the Cup crown in the final.
That success came just months after their CONCACAF Nations League victory in March, where they defeated Panama 2-1, underlining what has been a hugely successful year for El Tri.
Since Aguirre's reappointment in July 2024 for his third spell in charge, Mexico have looked revitalised, and are unbeaten in seven matches.
As joint hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico will be eager to maintain momentum and measure themselves against Japan, one of Asia's most consistent performers.
Japan, meanwhile, arrive in California chasing their first victory over Mexico since 1996.
The Samurai Blue have been in excellent form, winning five of their last seven matches while netting 17 goals and conceding just twice.
Hajime Moriyasu's side also lifted the EAFF E-1 Championship in July, edging South Korea 1-0 thanks to an early strike from Ryo Germain.
Currently ranked 17th in the FIFA standings, Japan have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup and will view this fixture as a valuable test against Mexico, who sit four places higher at 13th.
Moriyasu, who has been in charge since 2018, cut a frustrated figure in June when his Japan side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Australia in Perth - their first defeat to the Socceroos in 16 years and first in all competitions since February 2024.
History is not on their side, with El Tri winning five of the last six meetings, including a 2-0 friendly triumph in 2020.
Still, with both teams secure in their World Cup places, Sunday's encounter will be less about results and more about refining tactics and testing depth.
Mexico International Friendlies form:
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Mexico form (all competitions):
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Japan form (all competitions):
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Team News
For Mexico, Hirving Lozano returns after missing the Gold Cup through injury, while Rodrigo Huescas earns a recall following an impressive campaign with FC Copenhagen.
Julian Quinones, Julian Araujo and Angel Sepulveda are unavailable due to injury.
Japan welcome back Kaoru Mitoma, who missed June's internationals, along with key figures Wataru Endo, Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan.
Domestically based defenders Tomoya Ando (Avispa Fukuoka) and Hayato Araki (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) have been rewarded with call-ups after strong performances in the E-1 Championship.
Midfield duo Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka are unavailable due to injury and will miss this fixture.
Mexico possible starting lineup:
Malagon; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Ruiz, Alvarez, Pineda; Vega, Jimenez, Alvarado
Japan possible starting lineup:
Z. Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, Watanabe; Mitoma, Sano, Endo, Mochizuki; Y. Suzuki, Kubo; Machino
We say: Mexico 2-2 Japan
Both sides are in strong form and are likely to use this fixture to experiment with lineups and tactics.
Mexico's recent resilience under Aguirre and Japan's blend of attacking talent and defensive solidity suggest a closely fought contest, with the spoils potentially shared in California.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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