Overview

• Mauricio Pochettino deployed a three-center-back setup (3-4-2-1) with Chris Richards, Tim Ream and Tristan Blackmon, wingbacks Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman, and a Tyler Adams–Cristian Roldan midfield pair.
• Alejandro Zendejas volleyed in Arfsten’s cross in the 30th minute before Folarin Balogun finished off a Christian Pulisic through ball in the 64th.
• Goalkeeper Matt Freese recorded a clean sheet with six saves, reinforcing an open competition for the No. 1 spot.
• The win ended a seven-game winless run against top-25 opponents, though Japan started a fully rotated XI and only introduced regulars around the 62nd minute.
• Postgame, Pochettino asked that criticism be directed at him rather than players and said Zendejas strengthened his World Cup roster case, with Ecuador and Australia up next in October friendlies.