San Francisco Frontiers - Japan, Mexico in goalless draw as World Cup preparations ramp up

A lively Japanese side could not break through against a Mexico team who lost captain Edson Alvarez when he hobbled out with an injury in the first half and had Cesar Montes sent off in second-half injury time.

Japan threatened in the opening minutes, but Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo's shot from the center of the box was wide and moments later Ayase Ueda's attempt from the left side of the area was blocked.

The best chance of the first half came in the 11th minute, when Kubo unleashed a long-range blast toward the heart of the Mexico goal that was gathered in by goalkeeper Angel Malagon.

After Japan's Takumi Minamino volleyed over the crossbar from inside the box in the 53rd minute, Mexico responded swiftly with a shot by Roberto Alvarado that sailed over the bar.

Mexico finally forced a save from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who deflected a header by Erik Lira in the 67th minute, and Hirving Lozano had a last real chance for El Tri with a shot from the center of the area that was blocked.

The match marked a reunion for Mexico coach Javier Aguirre with the Japan side that he managed from July 2014 to January 2015.

Mexico, who are guaranteed a place in the World Cup finals as co-hosts with the United States and Canada, were floundering when Aguirre was brought back in July 2024 but have enjoyed a solid 2025 campaign that included triumphs in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League.

Japan, who became the first team to qualify for the World Cup in March, face the United States in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday while Mexico will play South Korea in Nashville, Tennessee.

O.Anderson--SFF