Match facts

Fixture: Mexico vs Japan — International Friendly

Venue: Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Date / Kick-off: Sat 6 Sep 2025, 7:00 pm PT (10:00 pm ET)

Full-time:Mexico 0–0 Japan

First half

Japan set the early tempo with sharp pressing and quick combinations through Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino. Luis Ángel Malagón kept Mexico level with an important stop in the opening phase. A major setback arrived for El Tri when captain Edson Álvarez exited around 31’ with a right-thigh issue, forcing Mexico to reshuffle midfield control.

Second half & late drama

Chances arrived at both ends: Minamino steered wide from close range at 53’, and Mexico’s best opening saw Erik Lira denied by a smart save from Zion Suzuki at 68’. In stoppage time (90+2’), César Montes was sent off as last defender after a foul on Ayase Ueda, leaving Mexico to see out the draw with ten men.

Key performers

Japan:Takefusa Kubo (creative spark), Zion Suzuki (big save on Lira).

Mexico:Luis Ángel Malagón (key first-half stop), Erik Lira (closest to scoring).

Match stats (summary)

Possession: near-even, with Japan edging phases of control

Total shots: Mexico 8 — Japan 9

On target: Mexico 1 — Japan 2

Corners: Mexico 1 — Japan 3

Cards: Mexico 1 red (Montes); Japan 1 yellow