Home / Sports / US Defeats Japan 2-0 in International Football Friendly
US Defeats Japan 2-0 in International Football Friendly
10 Sep
Summary
- US wins 2-0 over Japan in football friendly
- Zendejas and Balogun score for the US
- All four teams (US, Mexico, Japan, South Korea) qualified for 2026 World Cup
On Tuesday, September 5th, 2025, the United States national football team secured a 2-0 victory over Japan in an international friendly match. The game, played in Columbus, Ohio, saw goals from Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun, giving the Americans the win.
Zendejas, a winger for Mexico's Club America, opened the scoring in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Max Arfsten. Balogun, the Monaco striker, then added an insurance goal in the 64th minute, blasting a left-footed shot into the far corner after receiving a through ball from Christian Pulisic.
The win improved the US team's record this year to 7 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw. "It shows us that it's working," said US goalkeeper Matt Freese. "We all believe in the plan and the process, and tangible results like tonight just make it even more obvious."
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Notably, all four teams involved in the recent friendlies - the US, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea - have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
