Japan, Asia's Champions, Pose Next Test for USWNT

U.S. head coach Emma Hayes says Japan is 'without question' a favorite for the 2027 Women's World Cup

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:33pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a women's soccer match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a cubist style, conveying the technical and tactical sophistication of the two teams.As the USWNT and Japan's Nadeshiko prepare to clash, the match takes on a cubist, geometric energy, reflecting the technical precision and tactical complexity of the two soccer powerhouses.San Jose Today

The U.S. women's national soccer team will face off against Japan, the reigning champions of Asia, in a highly anticipated series of matches. Japan's roster is filled with international stars playing at the highest levels of the game, and they have proven to be a formidable opponent for the USWNT in recent years. The U.S. is looking to bounce back from a rare loss to Japan in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, and the upcoming matches will be a crucial test as both teams prepare for the 2027 World Cup.

Why it matters

This series of matches between the USWNT and Japan's Nadeshiko represents a clash between two of the world's top women's soccer programs. Japan's recent continental triumph and the cosmopolitan makeup of their roster, with many players competing in top European leagues, have elevated them to the status of a World Cup favorite. The outcome of these games could provide valuable insight into the state of both teams ahead of the 2027 tournament.

The details

Japan defeated the USWNT 2-1 in their last meeting at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, handing the Olympic gold medalists their first loss since Emma Hayes took over as manager. The Nadeshiko's goals were the result of a well-organized, technically precise, and sublimely orchestrated midfield that has been the hallmark of this team. Japan's roster is filled with players competing at the highest levels of the game, with 16 of the 26 players on their Asian Cup-winning squad playing in the Women's Super League in the UK, three in the NWSL, two in the Frauen-Bundesliga, and one in Spain.

  • The USWNT and Japan will face off in a series of three matches during the current international window.
  • Japan won the 2023 Asian Cup just three weeks ago.

The players

Emma Hayes

The head coach of the U.S. women's national team, who has praised Japan as 'without question' one of the favorites to win the 2027 World Cup.

Michihisa Kano

The interim head coach of the Japan women's national team, appointed after the abrupt departure of former manager Nils Nielsen just 12 days after Japan won the Asian Cup.

Mina Tanaka

A forward for the Utah Royals in the NWSL, who has been a key player for the Japanese national team and is known for her focused determination and ability to raise the level of play of her teammates.

Yui Hasegawa

A midfielder for Manchester City in the Women's Super League, who is poised to win the league title this season and secure a spot in the Champions League next year.

Ayaka Yamashita

The goalkeeper for Manchester City, who is also set to win the WSL title and play in the Champions League next season.

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What they’re saying

“We have always engaged in fierce competition with the United States. Through this rivalry, we believe that both our overall level of play and our standing as the Japanese national team have steadily risen.”

— Michihisa Kano, Japan interim head coach

“This is a fantastic test. They're champions of Asia. They're easily one of the best teams in the world. They have a group that has developed together. They've got more than 17 players playing in the WSL (in England). I think this is, without question, one of the favorites to win the World Cup.”

— Emma Hayes, U.S. head coach

“Japanese players are known to be organizationally good, technically good, smart, but we were not known for physical abilities, physicality. Now so many players are playing in the U.S., England, and other European countries. So, by playing outside Japan, we can improve ourselves physically. And when we come back all together, hopefully our physicality will be strong. We're not gonna lose (1v1) with other players from other countries.”

— Mina Tanaka, Utah Royals forward

“I'm feeling a bit of bounce in my step right now. A sense of ease has really set in. With all the buzz surrounding the national team's social media and podcasts, and feeling that incredible energy coming from the U.S. side, I've realized that, deep down, I really don't want to lose. I suppose that's why I'm looking forward to this so much.”

— Yui Hasegawa, Manchester City midfielder

What’s next

The USWNT and Japan will face off in three matches during this international window, with the first game taking place on April 11 in San Jose, California.

The takeaway

This series of matches between the USWNT and Japan's Nadeshiko represents a clash between two of the world's top women's soccer programs. Japan's recent continental triumph and the cosmopolitan makeup of their roster, with many players competing in top European leagues, have elevated them to the status of a World Cup favorite. The outcome of these games could provide valuable insight into the state of both teams ahead of the 2027 tournament.