The Samurai Blue Vs. El Tri: Predicted Lineups And Tactical Showdown For Mexico Vs Japan 2025 Friendly

The football world is already buzzing with anticipation for the next clash between two of the sport's most dynamic national teams: the Mexico National Football Team (El Tri) and the Japan National Football Team (Samurai Blue). Set for an international friendly on September 6, 2025, at the iconic Oakland Coliseum in the USA, this fixture will serve as a crucial test of tactical depth and player form for both nations as they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup cycle.

This article dives deep into the most likely starting lineups and the tactical blueprints that new Mexico manager Javier Aguirre and Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu are expected to deploy. The friendly is a perfect opportunity for both sides to experiment, making the predicted starting XI a fascinating mix of established stars and rising talents.

El Tri's Reshuffle: Predicted Mexico National Team Lineup (4-3-3)

Under the guidance of new manager Javier Aguirre, who took over in July 2024, the Mexico National Team is expected to bring a blend of experience and youthful energy. While Aguirre is historically known for a more defensive 5-3-2 setup, the context of an international friendly against a technically gifted opponent like Japan suggests a more balanced, aggressive 4-3-3 formation to test their attacking prowess.

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The core of the team will be built around key European-based entities, including the midfield engine, Edson Álvarez, and the in-form striker, Santiago Giménez. The possible return of veteran star Hirving "Chucky" Lozano to the international fold adds a significant threat on the wing.

Predicted Mexico Starting XI (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper (GK): Luis Malagón
• Right Back (RB): Jorge Sánchez
• Center Back (CB): César Montes
• Center Back (CB): Johan Vásquez
• Left Back (LB): Jesús Gallardo
• Central Midfielder (CM): Orbelín Pineda
• Defensive Midfielder (DM): Edson Álvarez (Captain)
• Central Midfielder (CM): Marcel Ruiz
• Right Winger (RW): Alexis Vega
• Striker (ST): Santiago Giménez
• Left Winger (LW): Roberto Alvarado (or Hirving Lozano)

Key Players and Tactical Entities for Mexico:

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• Edson Álvarez: The West Ham midfielder is the undisputed defensive lynchpin, crucial for breaking up Japan's intricate passing play and launching counter-attacks.
• Santiago Giménez: The Feyenoord striker is in red-hot form and will be the focal point of the attack, tasked with converting the chances created by the wide players.
• César Montes & Johan Vásquez: The central defensive partnership must be resilient to handle the pace and technical skill of Japan's forwards like Takefusa Kubo.

The Samurai Blue's Technical Mastery: Predicted Japan National Team Lineup (3-4-2-1)

Japan, often referred to as the Samurai Blue, has consistently demonstrated a high level of technical proficiency and tactical flexibility. Manager Hajime Moriyasu is expected to field a strong side, potentially opting for a 3-4-2-1 formation that utilizes the full width of the pitch and maximizes the impact of their dynamic wing-backs and playmakers.

The lineup will feature a host of European-based stars, with the midfield anchored by Liverpool's Wataru Endo and the attack spearheaded by the creative genius of Takefusa Kubo and the electrifying pace of Kaoru Mitoma.

Predicted Japan Starting XI (3-4-2-1):

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• Goalkeeper (GK): Zion Suzuki
• Center Back (CB): Ayumu Seko
• Center Back (CB): Kō Itakura
• Center Back (CB): Tsuyoshi Watanabe
• Right Midfielder/Wing-Back (RM/RWB): Henry Heroki Mochizuki
• Central Midfielder (CM): Kaishu Sano
• Central Midfielder (CM): Wataru Endo (Captain)
• Left Midfielder/Wing-Back (LM/LWB): Kaoru Mitoma
• Attacking Midfielder (AM): Takumi Minamino
• Attacking Midfielder (AM): Takefusa Kubo
• Striker (ST): Ayase Ueda

Key Players and Tactical Entities for Japan:

• Kaoru Mitoma: The Brighton & Hove Albion winger is a constant threat with his dribbling ability, making the left flank a major source of Japanese offense.
• Takefusa Kubo: The Real Sociedad star's vision and technical skill are vital for linking the midfield and attack, often operating as a free-roaming playmaker.
• Wataru Endo: As the team captain and defensive shield, Endo's role is to neutralize the threat of Mexico's central midfielders and protect the back three.

Tactical Analysis: The Midfield Battle and Key Matchups

The friendly is expected to be a fascinating tactical duel, pitting Mexico's robust, counter-attacking style under Aguirre against Japan's possession-based, high-press approach.

The Contest for Midfield Supremacy

The match will likely be won or lost in the middle of the park. The direct matchup between Mexico's engine, Edson Álvarez, and Japan's captain, Wataru Endo, will be critical. Álvarez's ability to disrupt play will be tested by Japan's fast, intricate passing, while Endo must contain the forward runs of Orbelín Pineda and Marcel Ruiz. Japan's use of a three-man defense (Seko, Itakura, Watanabe) allows their wing-backs (Mitoma and Mochizuki) to push high, effectively turning the formation into a 5-2-3 when defending and a 3-4-3 when attacking.

Japan's Wide Threat vs. Mexico's Fullbacks

A crucial matchup will be the battle on the flanks. Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma, known for his explosive pace and close control, will directly challenge Mexico's right-back, Jorge Sánchez. Similarly, the movement of Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino in the half-spaces will test the discipline of Mexico's fullbacks and center-backs. If Mexico can effectively neutralize the threat of Mitoma and Kubo, they stand a strong chance of controlling the game.

Striker Showdown: Giménez vs. Ueda

The two strikers, Santiago Giménez for Mexico and Ayase Ueda for Japan, represent different styles. Giménez is a powerful, clinical finisher who thrives on quick service, while Ueda is known for his relentless pressing and intelligent movement. The quality of service they receive from their respective midfield and wing players will determine which striker has the greater impact on the final scoreline.

Ultimately, this friendly provides both Javier Aguirre and Hajime Moriyasu with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squads and experiment with new tactical entities ahead of major tournaments. The predicted lineups suggest a high-octane affair, driven by world-class talent and a hunger for a positive result at the Oakland Coliseum.