Japan vs Uruguay Predictions, Picks & Odds – 24/09/2026
Japan vs Uruguay Preview
Japan head into this friendly at the National Olympic Stadium riding a decent run of form, having picked up two wins from their last five outings. Under Hajime Moriyasu, the Samurai Blue boast an impressive 68% win rate across 106 matches, and their home record is particularly formidable. They have gone unbeaten on home soil for over three years, a streak that gives them a significant psychological edge heading into this encounter.
Uruguay arrive in Tokyo enduring a rough patch under Marcelo Bielsa. La Celeste have drawn four of their last five matches, and their away record is deeply concerning, with no wins in their last seven games on foreign soil. Despite holding a favorable head-to-head record of three wins to Japan's one across six meetings since 2008, current momentum tells a different story. That historical advantage may count for little given their present struggles.
Japan's home record is the foundation of this pick. Hajime Moriyasu's side have gone unbeaten on home soil for over three years, and their 12-month statistical profile tells a compelling story: a 64% win rate, 1.9 goals per game, and a consistency score of 73. The home win at 2.55 looks like solid value given those numbers.
Uruguay, under Marcelo Bielsa, are struggling. Four draws and a loss from their last five matches paint a picture of a team lacking cutting edge, particularly away from home where they are winless in seven. Their goal output of just 0.9 per game over the past year suggests they could find it difficult to breach Japan's defence consistently.
The head-to-head record historically favours Uruguay, but context matters. This is a post-World Cup squad assessment fixture, and Japan's domestic fortress gives them a clear edge. A home win paired with under 2.5 goals at N/A could offer additional value, given Uruguay's blunt attack on the road. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Japan vs Uruguay
- Japan unbeaten at home for three years
- Uruguay winless in seven away matches
- Japan scores twice as often per game
Form & Statistics: Japan vs Uruguay
Japan
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Uruguay
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Japan vs Uruguay
Japan
Starters
- 1 Zion Suzuki
- 2 Takehiro Tomiyasu
- 3 Ko Itakura
- 4 Hiroki Ito
- 5 Yukinari Sugawara
- 6 Wataru Endo
- 7 Ao Tanaka
- 8 Takefusa Kubo
- 9 Daichi Kamada
- 10 Ritsu Doan
- 11 Ayase Ueda
Bench
- Keisuke Osako
- Shogo Taniguchi
- Ayumu Seko
- Kaishu Sano
- Keito Nakamura
- Junya Ito
- Koki Ogawa
Uruguay
Starters
- 1 Santiago Mele
- 2 Guillermo Varela
- 3 Jose Maria Gimenez
- 4 Sebastian Caceres
- 5 Mathias Olivera
- 6 Rodrigo Bentancur
- 7 Giorgian De Arrascaeta
- 8 Matías Vecino
- 9 Facundo Pellistri
- 10 Darwin Nunez
- 11 Maximiliano Araujo
Bench
- Matias Vina
- Agustin Canobbio
- Federico Vinas
Absent
- Federico Valverde (injury)
- Sergio Rochet (injury)
- Manuel Ugarte (injury)
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculated tag, drawn from squad patterns rather than confirmed team sheets, so some late changes remain possible on either side. That said, the tactical matchup shapes up as a 4-2-3-1 against a 4-3-3, with Japan's double pivot anchored by Wataru Endo offering defensive cover behind an attack-minded midfield.
Takefusa Kubo is the creative fulcrum in the hole for Japan, while Uruguay's width and directness hinge heavily on Darwin Nunez leading the line. The Uruguayan midfield trio, with De Arrascaeta as the creative outlet, will look to control tempo and limit Japan's ability to build through the center.
How to Watch Japan vs Uruguay Match?
What time is Japan vs Uruguay?
This friendly kicks off on 24 September 2026 at the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.
Where is Japan vs Uruguay being played?
This match takes place at the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
How Can I Watch Japan vs Uruguay on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for broadcast details, as friendly international coverage varies by region.
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