The FMF announced postmatch a signed bilateral agreement with the JFA that sets up coach and referee training, practice exchanges, and planned games at various levels. FMF president Mikel Arriola and JFA executive Tsuneyasu Miyamoto formalized the pact, with the federation publishing a photo of the signing. Mexico and Japan drew 0-0 at the Oakland Coliseum in a World Cup 2026 preparation fixture with limited chances for either side. Edson Álvarez left injured and was replaced by Erik Lira, Hirving Lozano returned after more than a year out, and César Montes saw a 90th-minute red card following a VAR review for a foul on Takumi Minamino. Ayase Ueda swapped shirts with former Feyenoord teammate Santiago Giménez and Jorge Campos briefly appeared on the Japanese broadcast; Mexico plays South Korea on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
