Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT return to action on Tuesday night with a high-profile friendly against Japan in Columbus, Ohio, as the Stars and Stripes aim to shake off the sting of their weekend loss to South Korea.
The setback in New Jersey once again underlined the Americans’ struggles against top-level opposition, and while Pochettino’s squad is missing a few big names this window, expectations were still higher than what they produced. The pressure is mounting on the Argentine coach, and nothing short of a strong response — and ideally a convincing win — will calm the waters.
Japan arrive in Ohio already assured of their spot at the 2026 World Cup, breezing through qualification with trademark efficiency. Led by the likes of Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Takefusa Kubo, the Samurai Blue boast a well-balanced group that blends experience with genuine star quality. Their impressive run at the 2022 tournament showed they’re no pushovers, and this clash should offer a real measuring stick for where the USMNT stand with nine months until their home World Cup.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch USMNT vs Japan online - TV channels & live streams
 | Fubo | Watch here |
 | DirecTV Stream | Watch here |
 | Sling TV | Watch here |
 | UNIVERSO | Watch here |
 | Peacock | Watch here |
 | Telemundo | Watch here |
 | Max | Watch here |
 | TNT | Watch here |
In the United States (US), the friendly between USMNT and Japan will be available to watch and stream online on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Sling Orange, Univision, TUDN, FOX and ViX.
Check out GOAL's Live Match Centre for updates.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
USMNT vs Japan kick-off time
The friendly between the USMNT and Japan will be played at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
It will kick off at 4:30 pm PT / 7:30 pm ET on Tuesday, September 9, in the US.
Team news & squads
USA vs Japan lineups
3-4-3
Formation
3-4-2-1
JPNUSA-Line up
USAJPN-Line up
JPNInjuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
USMNT team news
There were some positives for the Americans in Saturday’s match, as Tristan Blackmon earned his first senior cap, leaving Noahkai Kai Daniel Banks, Roman Celentano, and Jonathan Klinsmann as the only uncapped call-ups for this camp.
Christian Pulisic also marked his return to the squad and is poised to reach the milestone of 80 international appearances on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew duo Sean Zawadzki and Max Arfsten will be hoping for minutes in front of their home fans.
Japan team news
As for Japan, a minor injury to Ko Itakura against Mexico saw Hiroki Sekine step in, while goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, born in the U.S., is now just one cap away from 20 after keeping a clean sheet at the weekend.
Takumi Minamino has his sights set on his 25th international goal, which would move him level with Yuya Osako for ninth on the all-time scoring list, while rising star Kubo is closing in on 50 senior caps.
Form
USA-Form
USA- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 7/8
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 4/5
- Both teams scored
- 4/5
JPN-Form
JPN- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 8/1
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 1/5
- Both teams scored
- 0/5
Head-to-Head Record
USALast 2 matches
JPN