Proper Prep: Facing World Cup-Bound AFC Opponents a Valuable Opportunity for USMNT

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The pitches at the OhioHealth Performance Center are pristine. With the hint of an autumn chill in the air and a slow-moving train crawling in the background just yards away from the turf, an ode to Ohio’s rich history in rail transportation, the facility created a refreshing setting for U.S. Men’s National Team’s training session Monday morning.

At the foot of Historic Crew Stadium, just off Black & Gold Boulevard, the United States was full steam ahead preparing for the second and final match of the September window. The next opponent is 15th-ranked Japan, which the United States faces Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lower.com Field, home of the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.

Japan is the second straight AFC opponent for the U.S., and the team carries some similarities with the first. Like Korea Republic, Japan has secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Japan also plays a similar possession-based style to Korea that, according to U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino, makes them one of the most exciting teams to watch and one of the most difficult to play against.

“They play similarly,” said midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. “They’re pretty similar teams in terms of the way they play and the way they defend. That’s good for us because we saw how that worked the first game and now we can make adjustments.”

Teams like Korea and Japan tend to play with more patience. They hold possession and can move the ball effectively with superb technical skill. They also exercise discipline defensively, waiting for the right moment, or the right mistake, to capitalize. Concacaf teams, which the United States typically sees more of, might play more aggressively, operating with strength and speed. USMNT center back Chris Richards likened the difference to playing chess versus playing checkers.

“It’s a learning experience, and I think that’s the number one thing from this camp is that now we’re learning to play against different types of opponents,” Richards said.

When it comes to playing against these types of teams, Pochettino sees value in giving his players exposure to different playing styles. It’s all a part of the manager’s methodology in September camp – to give his players both experience and opportunities in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This was evident in the match against Korea. Pochettino’s starting XI was a near-even mix of players rostered for the Gold Cup and players returning to their first camp after several months. The head coach made sure Sergiño Dest and Falorin Balogun, two players coming off injury, saw competitive minutes. Pochettino also made several substitutions throughout the night at Sports Illustrated Stadium to get more players onto the pitch.

When it comes to the next matchup against Japan, Pochettino told reporters on Monday he plans to continue that approach.

“The World Cup is not the moment to test or give players the possibility to gain experience, which is why you cannot be surprised if I make some changes tomorrow and some players may play,” he said. “They play because we want to give them time because now is the moment for them to get experience.”

For the United States, they will look to build off a strong second-half performance against Korea. The U.S. conceded twice in the first half but made some adjustments for the second 45. Substitutions in the 62nd minute put three U.S. center backs on the field, and the formation shifted into a three-man backline. The tactical adjustment allowed the team to push their press higher and instigate more of the attack.

In the second half, the United States also strengthened defensively and allowed just one shot on goal from Korea.

Another similarity between Korea and Japan is that they are opponents the United States does not face often. Tuesday marks just the fourth all-time meeting between the U.S. and Japan in men’s soccer. Japan won the most recent meeting in 2022. The matchup prior to that was on Feb. 10, 2006. Goals from defender Eddie Pope, forwards Clint Dempsey and Taylor Twellman led the United States to 3-2 victory in San Francisco.

The United States meets Japan again on American soil, this time in Columbus, Ohio, a city filled with incredible history for the program and its players, which the USMNT hopes will work in their favor Tuesday night against a world-class opponent.

“Japan is a very good team,” Pochettino said. “I know Japan really well. That is the challenge we want to see as a team and challenge good teams. That is a great opportunity in a very good place and a historic place in Columbus.”