Japan vs Uruguay - Friendlies

Japan prepare to host Uruguay at the home ground on September 24, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Friendlies season. Altrincham vs Manchester United U21s highlights and reaction from pre-season fixture.

There is plenty riding on this Friendlies encounter for Japan and Uruguay alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Japan's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. Uruguay's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. In his latest column, Paul Merson predicts the 2026/27 Premier League season at both ends of the table.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Japan may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Uruguay have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. A month before his death, he was also arrested in Arkansas on charges including possession of a controlled substance.

With M. Sabitzer leading the league's scoring charts at 3 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Elsewhere in Ligue 1, on-loan Southampton striker Cameron Archer scored on his debut for Auxerre but could not stop Lyon running out 3-1 winners.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Friendlies standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.