USWNT Opponent Profile: Japan
The fifth-ranked Nadeshiko will face the U.S. Women's National Team three consecutive times during April FIFA international window
Following its 2026 SheBelieves Cup title, the U.S. Women’s National Team returns to action in April for three matches against long-time rival Japan. The upcoming matches against the Nadeshiko are the next steps for the USWNT as it prepares for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification later this year.
Here’s everything you need to know about Japan ahead of the matchups:
When does the USWNT play Japan?
The two sides will first meet on April 11 at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif. The second match on April 14 will take place at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. The final match will be on April 17 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.
What is the all-time history between the USWNT and Japan?
The USWNT has long held the edge in this series with an overall record of 32W-2L-8D since the teams first met in July 1986. The USA and Japan have faced each other nine times in the World Cup and the Olympics, including three consecutive championship matches. The USWNT defeated Japan in back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals in 1991 and 1995. They didn’t see each other again in a world tournament until 2011 when Japan won its first FIFA Women’s World Cup title after defeating the Americans in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 tie through regulation and overtime. The USA rebounded in 2015 by defeating Japan, 5-2, for the largest win in a FIFA Women's World Cup Final.
The USA has won all five matches against Japan in the Olympics, starting in the quarterfinals of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. The USWNT then defeated the Nadeshiko twice in 2008 in the group stage and semifinals. The fourth Olympic title for the USWNT came in 2012 after winning 2-1 against Japan in the Gold Medal Match. Their final Olympic matchup came 12 years later in the 2024 Paris Olympic quarterfinal when forward Trinity Rodman scored the game-winner in extra time for the 1-0 victory.
Japan has only defeated the U.S. outright twice, first with a 1-0 win in a friendly in 2012 and the second time in their most recent meeting in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup when Japan won, 2-1, to clinch the tournament title.
What is Japan’s world ranking?
Japan is currently ranked fifth in the Coca-Cola FIFA Women’s World Rankings behind Spain (1), USA (2), Germany (3) and England (4).
What is Japan’s recent form?
Japan enters these three friendlies fresh off winning the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The team won all six matches in the tournament, including defeating host country Australia, 1-0, in the title game, and outscored its opponents 29-1. By advancing to the semifinals of the tournament, Japan qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Prior to the Women’s Asian Cup, Japan compiled a record of 6W-4L-4D in 2025. The team started the year with three consecutive wins on the way to claiming the 2025 SheBelieves Cup title. The Nadeshiko lost in summer friendlies against Brazil and reigning World Cup champions Spain, but they capped the year with back-to-back wins against Canada.
Who is Japan’s head coach?
Japan and Greenlandic-Danish manager Nils Nielsen parted ways last week after 16 months with Nielsen at the helm. Assistant coach Michihisa Kano, who previously led Japan’s U-20 Women’s National Team, will serve as interim manager during the matches against the USA, according to the Japan Football Association.
Who are key Japanese players to watch?
Forward Mina Tanaka is the highest-scoring active player for Japan with 47 goals in 101 caps. Tanaka made her international debut in 2013 and was a part of Japan’s last two Olympic rosters and its 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad. Tanaka, who currently competes with NWSL side Utah Royals FC, was named the 2025 Visa SheBelieves Cup MVP after recording four goals and three assists to lead the Nadeshiko to the tournament title.
In the attack with Tanaka is striker Maika Hamano, who scored the game-winner for Japan in the Women's Asian Cup Final against Australia. The 21-year-old, who currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur FC on loan from Chelsea FC, has scored nine goals in 31 appearances for Japan since her debut in 2022.
Longtime Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita also led the team to the recent Women’s Asian Cup victory and earned the Best Goalkeeper Award after recording three clean sheets and allowing only one goal in the tournament. Yamashita plays for Manchester City alongside USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey, and the goalkeeper has tallied six clean sheets and 32 saves in her 15 club appearances. Yamashita has 88 international caps and has competed in two World Cups (2019, 2023) and two Olympics (2020, 2024).