Japan to host Uruguay in Miyagi friendly on September 24 as both sides prepare for next competitions

Japan will host Uruguay in an international friendly at Miyagi Stadium on September 24, 2026, in a fixture listed as part of the International Friendly 2026 schedule. The match pits Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan against a Uruguay side now managed by Diego Forlán.

Japan arrive after their recent FIFA World Cup campaign in which they reached the last 32 and drew praise for their performances, and the national team have begun preparations for the AFC Asian Cup under Moriyasu. The Miyagi Stadium fixture is being staged at Japan’s home ground and the preview describes the match as an opportunity for the Samurai Blue to secure a win.

All selected Japanese players are reported fit and available for the friendly, and the preview highlights Daichi Kamada’s form for Crystal Palace since the start of the season. The article notes Kamada is 30 years old, can occupy multiple midfield roles and is viewed as an important squad member ready to represent Japan again.

Uruguay have appointed Diego Forlán as their new manager following a disappointing World Cup exit at the group stage, and the preview says La Celeste will be looking to regroup. The report states that Federico Valverde has withdrawn from Uruguay’s squad with an ankle injury and that Emiliano Martínez was called up as his replacement.

The piece includes the following tweet text reporting Valverde’s withdrawal exactly as published: "Federico Valverde es baja para esta Fecha FIFA por lesión, en su lugar fue convocado Emiliano Martínez 🔄 pic.twitter.com/83x8JgHHue". The preview also identifies Rodrigo Bentancur as a key figure in Uruguay’s midfield in Valverde’s absence, describing him as a Tottenham Hotspur midfielder who will aim to establish control, break up Japan’s attacks and contribute goals.

Probable squad names listed in the preview feature Japan players such as Suzuki, Tomiyasu, Watanabe, Ito, Kubo, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura, Junya and Maeda, and a Uruguay group including Ronald Araujo, Caceres, Giménez, Sanabria, Bentancur, Bernal, Pellistri, Martinez, Maxi Araujo and Aguirre. The article also reproduces the announcement line: "Diego Forlán definió la lista de convocados para los los amistosos de la Fecha FIFA de setiembre-octubre 📋 pic.twitter.com/jCyIscLxT8".

The preview argues Japan will carry a slight advantage playing at home while Uruguay, under their new manager, will work to implement strategies and set tempo from the outset; it concludes the Samurai Blue are likely to emerge victorious. No official broadcast has been confirmed for the fixture.

The match on September 24 at Miyagi Stadium will act as part of Japan’s build-up to the AFC Asian Cup and represent one of Uruguay’s first tests under Diego Forlán following their World Cup exit; for updates the article directs readers to Khel Now’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts and to the Khel Now Android and iOS apps and Telegram community.