Japan vs Mexico
World Cup fever is already starting to take hold on our shores. More than 40,000 showed up to the Japan vs Mexico game in Oakland over the weekend. In the lots around the stadium, we saw Japanese fans who’d traveled all the way from home to catch this one, seasoned Mexican supporters passing around the finest tequila you could ever try, and hundreds of people who’d be witnessing their first-ever soccer game. It was beautiful. And even though the scoreline may have been 0-0 on the pitch, the festivities in and around the Oakland Coliseum made for a wonderful Saturday afternoon.
Photography by: Jordy Marsono
A packed Oakland Coliseum witnessed a clash of two World Cup-bound nations on Saturday night, as Japan and Mexico battled to a 0-0 draw in a high-energy friendly that served as a tune-up for the 2026 tournament.
Japan controlled much of the first half, their quick passing and relentless pressing putting Mexico on the back foot early. Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo was at the center of Japan’s attack, forcing Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagón into an early save with a blistering long-range strike in the 11th minute. Moments later, Ritsu Doan broke free behind Mexico’s back line, only for Jesús Gallardo to race back and clear his looping effort off the line.
Mexico’s night took an early blow when captain Edson Álvarez limped off in the 28th minute with a hamstring injury, later replaced by Erik Lira. El Tri struggled to generate offense before halftime, stifled by Japan’s organized back three and composed play in midfield.
The second half saw Mexico improve, thanks in part to the introduction of Hirving Lozano. The San Diego FC forward immediately added spark to El Tri’s attack, combining well with Roberto Alvarado and Germán Berterame. Lozano nearly found the breakthrough in the 67th minute, but his shot was blocked inside the box.
Japan nearly grabbed the winner earlier in the half when Takumi Minamino volleyed over the bar following a clever sequence involving Kubo and Ayase Ueda. Despite creating the better chances overall, Hajime Moriyasu’s side couldn’t find a way past Malagón.
Tensions boiled over late when Mexican defender César Montes was shown a red card after a VAR review in stoppage time, leaving Mexico to finish with 10 men. Even with the extra player, Japan couldn’t capitalize before the final whistle.
“It was a very even match,” Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre said afterward. “They pressed with intensity and made it difficult for us. The first half was theirs, we were better in the second, so the draw was fair.”
For Aguirre, who previously managed Japan from 2014 to 2015, the night was a reminder of how far the Asian side has come.
“They surprised us with their speed and rhythm,” he admitted. “Most of their players are in Europe now, and you can see that in their level of play.”
The game drew over 40,000 fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with mariachi music, Japanese drums, and a sea of flags. It was Japan’s first-ever appearance in Oakland and Mexico’s first visit to the Coliseum in 14 years.
Both teams now head to different U.S. cities for their next friendlies. Japan will face the United States in Columbus, Ohio, while Mexico takes on South Korea in Nashville. With 2026 inching closer, Saturday’s stalemate offered valuable lessons — and a reminder that both nations will need to sharpen their edge before the world’s biggest stage arrives.
