Sun Sep 07 01:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on that information:

**Summary:**

The Mexican National Team has traveled to the United States to begin preparations for their upcoming FIFA friendly match against Japan. Coach Javier Aguirre intends to use these games against strong opponents to refine the team’s strategy and finalize the starting lineup in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, where Mexico will be a co-host. Mexico has historically dominated Japan in previous encounters. The match will be played at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. Japan has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The article also provides expected starting lineups for both teams.

**News Article:**

**Mexico Faces Japan in Key Friendly Ahead of 2026 World Cup**

Oakland, CA – The Mexican National Team has arrived in the United States to kick off their training camp ahead of a crucial FIFA friendly match against Japan. The game, set to take place at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, marks a vital opportunity for Head Coach Javier Aguirre to fine-tune his squad as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host.

Aguirre, known as “El Vasco,” aims to use the friendly against Japan to finalize his starting lineup and elevate the team’s performance against a high-caliber opponent. “These matches are essential for us to reach our peak level before the World Cup” , said an official with the team.

Historically, Mexico has held the upper hand in the rivalry, boasting five wins to Japan’s one in their six previous meetings.

While Mexico will have access to most of their players, César Huerta will miss the match due to a muscle strain. The team will then face South Korea after this match.

Meanwhile, Japan has already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup through the qualifying rounds.

**Projected Lineups:**

* **Mexico:** Luis Malagón, Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesús Gallardo, Edson Álvarez, Marccel Ruiz, Orbelin Pineda, Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Alexis Vega.
* **Japan:** Zion Suzuki, Kou Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Ayumu Seko, Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino, Daichi Kamada, Kauro Mitoma, Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda, Takefusa Kubo.

The match is scheduled for 8:00 PM Central Time. Fans in Mexico can watch the game on TUDN and ViX.

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