Japan began their post-2026 World Cup cycle with a 3-1 victory over Uruguay in the Kirin Challenge Cup on September 24. The win at Miyagi Stadium gives manager Hajime Moriyasu a positive start to the new era.
Kuryu Matsuki opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing off a pass from Keito Nakamura. Uruguay equalised just before halftime through Maximiliano Araujo. The match was decided in stoppage time, with substitute Kenshiogai Shiogai putting Japan back in front in the 92nd minute from an Ayase Ueda assist. Ueda then sealed the win himself in the 97th minute, heading home a cross from Junya Ito.
Uruguay were led by interim head coach Diego Forlan. The Uruguayan Football Association stated that "Forlan is one of the most important figures in the history of the national team and noted that he was returning to a place where he had left an unforgettable mark." Forlan said, "There are high expectations in Uruguay for what the former star can achieve as head coach."
The friendly was Japan's first match since the World Cup and their first win over Uruguay since 2019. The team will now look to build on this performance as they prepare for their upcoming qualifiers.
