Overview
- Mexico meets Japan in Oakland on Sept. 6, then plays South Korea in Nashville on Sept. 9 as part of its U.S. tour.
- Japan arrives already qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a roster dominated by Europe-based players, roughly 18 of 25 call-ups.
- Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan, Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, Wataru Endo and Takefusa Kubo headline a settled squad under Hajime Moriyasu with Makoto Hasebe on staff.
- Aguirre is weighing final spots at goalkeeper, right back and center back, with evaluations of Carlos Moreno, Carlos Acevedo and Sebastián Jurado, competition at right back led by Rodrigo Huescas with Jorge Sánchez pushing, and center-back auditions for José Sánchez Purata alongside Víctor Guzmán and Ramón Juárez.
- Midfield and attack places are in play due to Luis Chávez’s injury and form battles, giving Erick Sánchez, Roberto Alvarado, Diego Lainez, Hirving Lozano and Germán Berterame chances to stake claims.