Mexico and Japan played out a goalless draw on Saturday in a friendly match preparing both teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The game took place at the Oakland Coliseum in California. Japan, the first team to qualify for the tournament back in March, controlled much of the first half. They nearly struck early when Takefusa Kubo fired a powerful shot in the 10th minute, but Mexican goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón made a sharp save.
Mexico suffered a setback in the 31st minute when captain Edson Álvarez left the field with a right thigh injury.
Japan kept pressing and came close again in the 53rd minute. Takumi Minamino found himself unmarked in front of goal after a cross from Kubo, but the Monaco midfielder sent his shot wide.
Mexico’s best chance came in the 68th minute when Erik Lira’s header forced Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into an acrobatic stop to his right.
The match ended on a sour note for Mexico. Defender César Montes was sent off in stoppage time after fouling Ayase Ueda from behind as the Japanese striker broke toward goal.
Mexico, co-host of the 2026 World Cup along with the United States and Canada, will next face South Korea on Tuesday. Japan will meet the United States.
