The footballing world was glued to the action at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum on Saturday night as Mexico and Japan battled to a tense 0-0 draw in a much-anticipated international friendly. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming on the horizon, this showdown was more than just a tune-up; it was a crucial test of form and strategy for two sides with big ambitions and storied histories.
Mexico, fresh off their triumphant run at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, entered the match riding a wave of confidence. El Tri, led by experienced manager Javier Aguirre, had recently edged the United States 2-1 in the Gold Cup final, clinching their record-setting 10th title in the competition and cementing their place as the region’s most successful nation. Their unbeaten streak in the Gold Cup—featuring wins over the Dominican Republic, Suriname, Saudi Arabia, Honduras, and a group-stage draw with Costa Rica—was followed by a CONCACAF Nations League triumph in March, where they bested Panama 2-1. That’s some serious momentum!
But if Mexico thought Japan would be an easy mark, they were in for a surprise. The Samurai Blue, under the steady hand of coach Hajime Moriyasu since 2018, arrived in California with their own impressive credentials. Ranked 17th in the world and already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, Japan had won five of their last seven matches, scoring a whopping 17 goals and conceding just twice. Their July victory in the EADD E-1 Championship, courtesy of a Ryo Germain strike against South Korea, was still fresh in the memory, and the squad was hungry for their first win over Mexico since 1996.
The match itself, broadcast across TUDN, FOX Deportes, Univision, ViX, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream, kicked off at 10:00pm ET (7:00pm PT) on September 6, 2025. Fans from around the globe tuned in via a plethora of streaming platforms, with many using VPN services to bypass regional restrictions and catch every moment of the action.
From the first whistle, it was clear that both teams were treating this friendly as anything but casual. Mexico’s starting lineup featured Malagon in goal, with Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, and Gallardo in defense. The midfield trio of Ruiz, Alvarez, and Pineda looked to control the tempo, while Vega, Jimenez, and Alvarado led the attack. Japan countered with Z. Suzuki between the posts, Seko, Itakura, and Watanabe anchoring the back line, and an adventurous midfield and forward group including Mitoma, Sano, Endo, Mochizuki, Y. Suzuki, Kubo, and Machino.
Despite the attacking talent on display, clear-cut chances were at a premium. Both sides pressed high and looked to disrupt each other’s rhythm, but neither could find a breakthrough. The match was marked by tactical discipline and moments of individual flair, yet the finishing touch proved elusive.
One of the biggest talking points came in the second half when Mexico’s Edson Álvarez limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Early reports suggested he could be sidelined for up to a month—a significant blow for both club and country, especially with the World Cup preparations intensifying. The injury forced manager Javier Aguirre to reshuffle his midfield, bringing on Hirving Lozano in the 60th minute in hopes of injecting some pace and creativity into the attack.
After the match, Aguirre was candid in his assessment. "We weren’t better than our opponent," he admitted, acknowledging that Japan had matched Mexico stride for stride. It was a refreshingly honest take from a manager known for his straight-talking style. Indeed, the statistics bore out his point: both teams shared spells of possession, but neither could carve out a decisive advantage.
For Japan, the result was another feather in the cap of coach Moriyasu, whose side has shown remarkable consistency in recent years. Though they were searching for their first win over Mexico in nearly three decades, a draw against the Gold Cup champions on North American soil was no small feat. Their defensive solidity—conceding just two goals in their last seven outings—was on full display, and their rapid transitions kept Mexico’s back line honest throughout the night.
Mexico, meanwhile, will view the draw as a useful reality check. Despite their recent run of success, including that Nations League trophy and Gold Cup triumph, El Tri still have areas to refine before co-hosting the World Cup in 2026. The injury to Álvarez will be a concern, and Aguirre will no doubt be pondering tweaks to his lineup ahead of their next friendly, a clash with South Korea scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
As for the fans, they were treated to a high-quality contest that, while goalless, was rich in narrative and tactical intrigue. The match also served as a showcase of the global reach of modern soccer broadcasting. With platforms like Fubo offering streams of everything from Liga MX and the UEFA Champions League to the NWSL and World Cup qualifiers, supporters could watch from virtually any device—be it a smart TV, tablet, or even a gaming console. And for those abroad, VPN services like NordVPN provided a lifeline to stay connected to their favorite teams.
Looking at the bigger picture, both Mexico and Japan will take positives from the encounter. For Mexico, the unbeaten streak under Aguirre continues, and the team remains a formidable force in the region. For Japan, the draw affirms their status as one of Asia’s elite, capable of going toe-to-toe with the best from CONCACAF. With the World Cup fast approaching, both squads have shown they’re well on track for a strong showing on soccer’s biggest stage.
As the dust settles in Oakland, attention now turns to the next round of friendlies and preparations. For Mexico, the focus will be on healing, regrouping, and perhaps finding that extra spark in attack. For Japan, it’s another solid result in a year that’s already featured silverware and a string of impressive performances. The countdown to 2026 continues, and both teams look set to make plenty more headlines before the world gathers for the beautiful game’s grandest spectacle.
For now, fans can savor a night of top-level international football—and look forward to what’s coming next.
