TOKYO - The Japan Football Association announced Wednesday that the men's national team will play Uruguay at Q&A Stadium Miyagi on Sept. 24.
The international friendly in Rifu, in northeastern Japan's Miyagi Prefecture, will be the Samurai Blue's first match since their round-of-32 exit against Brazil at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Japan, ranked No. 17 in the world as of July 20, have won two, drawn three, and lost four of their past matches against current No. 20 Uruguay, who were eliminated in the World Cup group stage.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said the Samurai Blue would "move forward again," starting with the match against Uruguay, who are set to host a special match during the 2030 World Cup marking the centenary of the tournament.
"With Uruguay looking forward to hosting during the 2030 World Cup, I expect them to approach this game with a fierce determination to win," Moriyasu said.
The 57-year-old tactician also expressed his condolences to the victims of the Kumamoto earthquake.
"It is the duty of the Japan national team to play a match that delivers courage and hope to the bereaved families and those affected by the disaster," said Moriyasu, who will remain at the helm until after the Asian Cup starting in January in Saudi Arabia.
