Japan vs Venezuela Predictions, Picks & Odds – 28/09/2026
Japan vs Venezuela – Best bets of the match
· Confidence Medium
Japan vs Venezuela Preview
Japan head into this Hiroshima friendly riding a wave of confidence after their 2026 World Cup knockout stage run. Their recent form reads impressively: three wins and two draws from five outings, with eight goals scored and only four conceded. A commanding 3-1 victory over Uruguay in their last match underlined their attacking quality. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has returned to training after a rib issue, boosting Hajime Moriyasu's options further.
Venezuela arrive in Japan for their first competitive action since June 2026. Coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo named a broad 34-player squad but notably left out experienced figures Salomon Rondon and Yeferson Soteldo, signalling a focus on the long-term Camino Vinotinto development project. Their recent form shows three wins and a draw from four matches, yet facing a confident Japan side on home soil presents a considerably sterner examination.
Japan's recent form makes a compelling case for the home win at 1.32. Three victories and two draws from their last five outings, with eight goals scored and only four conceded, paint the picture of a side brimming with confidence. Their 3-1 dismantling of Uruguay demonstrated cutting-edge attacking quality, and manager Hajime Moriyasu will demand that same intensity before a sold-out Hiroshima crowd.
Venezuela face an uphill battle here. Coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo has omitted experienced figures like Salomon Rondon and Yeferson Soteldo from his 34-player squad, signalling a focus on squad development rather than immediate results. The Vinotinto have not played since June, and that lack of match sharpness could prove costly against a sharp, well-drilled Japanese side operating on home soil.
The home win stands out as the primary pick, supported by Japan's superior recent record and the considerable advantage of playing at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima. With Venezuela fielding a reshaped squad and returning from a lengthy break, backing Japan to control this fixture looks well-founded. The over 2.5 goals market at 1.77 also merits attention given Japan's attacking output. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Japan vs Venezuela
- Japan unbeaten in last five matches
- Venezuela missing key senior attackers
- Hiroshima home crowd sold out completely
Form & Statistics: Japan vs Venezuela
Japan
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Venezuela
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Lineups: Japan vs Venezuela
Japan
Starters
- 1 Hayakawa
- 2 Seko
- 3 Itakura
- 4 Ito
- 5 Matsuki
- 6 Kaishu Sano
- 7 Kodai Sano
- 8 Nakamura
- 9 Doan
- 10 Suzuki
- 11 Ueda
Absent
- Wataru Endo (Foot injury, retired from international football in June 2026.)
Venezuela
Starters
- 1 Varela
- 2 Sanchez
- 3 Quintero
- 4 Balbo
- 5 Ferraresi
- 6 Libra
- 7 Herrera
- 8 Mendoza
- 9 Martínez
- 10 Ramírez
Absent
- Salomon Rondón (Not summoned for the September 2026 friendly window.)
- Yeferson Soteldo (Not summoned for the September 2026 friendly window.)
- Telasco Segovia (Injured (according to a speculative lineup discussion, but listed as a player to watch in another preview).)
Low confidence
Both lineups here carry the same speculated status, drawn from a single source, so treat the formations with measured caution. That said, a 3-4-2-1 versus 4-2-3-1 contest promises an interesting tactical contest, with Japan's wing-backs likely to be central to how Ueda is served up front.
Venezuela's flat back four and double pivot should give them defensive solidity, but Japan's compact three-man defence, marshalled by Itakura, will look to press high and exploit any gaps behind the South American midfield. A friendly in name, but both camps will want sharp performances ahead of World Cup qualification commitments.
How to Watch Japan vs Venezuela Match?
What time is Japan vs Venezuela?
Japan vs Venezuela kicks off on 28 September 2026 at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima. Odds correct at time of publication.
Where is Japan vs Venezuela being played?
This match takes place at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima, a sold-out 28,520-seat venue in Hiroshima, Japan.
How Can I Watch Japan vs Venezuela on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings and your preferred streaming service for live broadcast details in your region.