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Japan vs Venezuela: Samurai Blue Face Venezuela in Kirin Challenge Cup 2026

Japan will face Venezuela on Monday, September 28, in the second match of the Samurai Blue’s September international window. The friendly will be played at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima, with kickoff scheduled for 7:25 p.m. Japan Standard Time (10:25 a.m. UTC / 6:25 a.m. ET).

The match is part of the Kirin Challenge Cup 2026 as Japan continues its preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, which is scheduled to take place in January and February.

Japan Look to Continue Positive Form

Japan enter the Venezuela match with confidence after recording an impressive 3-1 victory over Uruguay on September 24. The result provided another opportunity for Hajime Moriyasu's side to assess players and combinations ahead of the Asian Cup.

The September window is particularly important as Japan continues to build squad depth and evaluate players competing for places in the national team.

Japan will also have to manage its squad carefully because Takehiro Tomiyasu has withdrawn from the squad because of injury.

Zion Suzuki Returns

One of the major talking points surrounding Japan's lineup is the return of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Suzuki has returned from injury and is expected to start in goal against Venezuela. His return gives Japan another opportunity to assess one of its leading goalkeeping options during the international window.

The confirmed Japan lineup features a mixture of defensive players, midfielders and attacking options, with the team expected to maintain its organized approach while looking for opportunities in the final third.

Japan Starting XI

Japan's starting lineup is:

  • Kokubo

  • Seko

  • Suzuki

  • Watanabe

  • Nakano

  • Kumasaka

  • Kamada

  • Sato

  • Saito

  • Soma

  • Goto

The lineup gives Japan a blend of experience and younger players, with the coaching staff continuing to evaluate the squad ahead of the next major tournament.

Venezuela Under Oswaldo Vizcarrondo

Venezuela arrive in Hiroshima under head coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo. The match represents another important test for Venezuela as the team continues its own preparations and squad development.

The Venezuelan side includes several players with international experience and will look to challenge Japan's defensive organization.

Venezuela Starting XI

Venezuela's starting lineup is:

  • Contreras

  • Balbo

  • Makoun

  • Osorio

  • Ferraresi

  • Aramburu

  • Libra

  • Herrera

  • Perreira

  • Kelsey

  • Castillo

The visitors will hope their attacking players can create problems for Japan while their defense attempts to contain the Samurai Blue's movement and passing combinations.

A Valuable Preparation Match

Although the Japan vs. Venezuela fixture is a friendly, the match has significance for both teams. Japan are using the international window to prepare for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, while Venezuela are continuing to develop their squad under Vizcarrondo.

For Japan, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum created by the victory over Uruguay while giving additional players valuable international experience.

The match also provides the coaching staff with an opportunity to examine different tactical combinations and determine which players can make an impact against strong international opposition.

Japan vs Venezuela Match Details

Match: Japan vs Venezuela
Competition: Kirin Challenge Cup 2026
Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Venue: Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima
Kickoff: 7:25 p.m. JST
UTC: 10:25 a.m.
ET: 6:25 a.m.

With Japan coming off a 3-1 win over Uruguay and Venezuela arriving with a competitive lineup, the Hiroshima friendly offers another useful test for both national teams. For Japan, the bigger objective remains building a strong and balanced squad before the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

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