USMNT, Mexico Set to Host Japan Friendlies in September

The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT) is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two scheduled friendlies in early September, playing South Korea on September 6 in New Jersey and Japan on September 9 at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. Japan, already qualified for the World Cup, is currently the highest-ranked Asian team with a 12-match unbeaten streak, while South Korea is on track to qualify soon. This will be the USMNT's first World Cup cycle under coach Mauricio Pochettino, and the team has not faced South Korea since 2014 or Japan since a 2022 warmup that Japan won 2-0. Columbus has hosted the USMNT 15 times, with only one loss in those games, and the upcoming match will feature Columbus Crew players Max Arfsten and Patrick Schulte, both called up to the national team. Meanwhile, Mexico will play Japan in a friendly at the Oakland Coliseum on September 6, with a second friendly against South Korea to follow, as all three nations build toward the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico automatically qualifies for as a host. Tickets for the USMNT-Japan match go on sale May 16, with a presale for Columbus Crew season ticket holders on May 15.