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Japan and Ghana Clash in High-Stakes Friendly Ahead of 2026 World Cup
14 Nov
Summary
- Japan unbeaten in 8 matches, Ghana won 6 of last 8 games
- Ghana missing key players due to injuries, Japan holds historical advantage
- Coaches aim to test team's character and reaction before World Cup
On November 14, 2025, the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup between Japan and Ghana is scheduled to take place at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi. This international friendly is a crucial warm-up match for both teams as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Japan is coming off a 3-2 win against Brazil and is currently unbeaten in their last eight matches, with five wins and two draws. Ghana, on the other hand, has been impressive, winning six of their last eight games and securing their World Cup spot with a 1-0 win over Comoros in October.
However, Ghana will be without several key players due to injury concerns, including captain Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Kudus, and Elisha Owusu. Additionally, Mohammed Salisu is also a doubt following a late arrival in Japan.
Historically, Japan has held the upper hand, winning five of eight previous meetings between the two teams. Ghana, though, has been in great form, with a six-match unbeaten streak, their last defeat coming in May when they lost 2-1 to arch-rivals Nigeria in the 2025 Unity Cup.
Both coaches, Otto Addo of Ghana and his Japanese counterpart, are looking to use this match as an opportunity to test the character, attitude, and reaction of their young teams ahead of the World Cup in June 2026.
