USMNT beat Japan 2–0 in Columbus — Zendejas & Balogun score, Pochettino experiments with 3-4-2-1 pay off, and confidence grows ahead of 2026. TV/stream details inside.
Quick snapshot — USA vs Japan
The U.S. Men’s National Team beat Japan 2–0 at Lower.com Field in Columbus on September 9, 2025 — goals from Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun plus a solid defensive display helped Mauricio Pochettino’s side respond after a defeat to South Korea and end the September window on a bright note.
Why this friendly mattered
On paper a friendly, in practice an important jolt of confidence. The match offered Pochettino a chance to:
- Rebuild momentum after a 2–0 loss to South Korea.
- Test tactical tweaks — notably a 3-4-2-1 formation — and see fringe/returning players in competitive action.
- Give the coach and many pros an audition before the final 2026 World Cup roster shaping across the next year. With the U.S. co-hosting the tournament, every tactical evolution and player assessment carries extra weight.
Japan arrived as a respected, technically disciplined opponent and — despite rotating some starters — offered a useful test for the growing USMNT group. The win didn’t answer every question, but it supplied a much-needed mood lift and some tangible takeaways.
The scoreline & major events
- Final score: USA 2, Japan 0.
- Scorers: Alejandro Zendejas (first half, volley), Folarin Balogun (64′) after linkup with Christian Pulisic.
- Venue & date: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio — September 9, 2025.
The score reflects a match where the USMNT were the better side overall — they created chances, defended well when needed, and finished clinically enough to keep a clean sheet. Match reports emphasized improved cohesion after the South Korea loss and credited tactical tweaks with stabilizing the team.
Tactical setup — how Pochettino adjusted and why it worked
Mauricio Pochettino made a noticeable tactical tweak: experimenting with a 3-4-2-1 shape that allowed wing-backs to provide width while compacting midfield lines. That setup aimed to:
- Give the back three better cover and passing lanes against Japan’s technical midfield.
- Allow wide players to press higher and pin Japan’s full-backs, limiting their easy build-up.
- Provide Balogun a platform to stay central while two attacking midfielders (or shuttling wingers) supplied support and link play.
How it translated on the field:
- Defensive solidity: The three central defenders and two defensive midfielders clogged Japan’s usual passing corridors, forcing them to play wider or attempt riskier vertical passes (which the USMNT intercepted). Pochettino’s back-three offered support on counters and helped maintain structure when the full-backs — Tristan Blackmon and the opposite wing-back — bombed forward.
- Transition threat: The 3-4-2-1 supported quick transitions — Zendejas got space to strike his early volley, and Balogun benefited from quick, directed service for his second-half finish. That gave the Americans clear path to goal and enabled the team to exploit Japan when they pushed numbers.
None of this is perfect: reports note some hesitation in midfield at times and a goalkeeper, Matt Freese, who had a nervous start. But overall the shape generated more control and better balance than the South Korea game.
Player-by-player takeaways (who stood out)
Below are the players who mattered most and why, drawn from match reports and postgame analysis.
Alejandro Zendejas — instant impact (Man of the Moment)
Zendejas’ volley — a perfectly timed, well-struck finish — set the tone. The Dallas product (on loan/with club ties — check current club for updates) had a lively, forward-thinking showing and earned praise for his movement and link play in tight spaces. The USMNT report singled him out for clinical finishing and an appetite for pressing high.
Folarin Balogun — striker’s instincts answered the call
Balogun’s goal in the 64th minute — a composed finish following a Pulisic assist — underlined why he remains a top candidate to lead the line. Reports noted his hold-up, movement off the ball and ability to convert a clear chance under pressure. That finish likely boosts his chances for consistent starts heading into the final World Cup selection windows. (ESPN.com, U.S. Soccer)
Christian Pulisic — veteran creator
Pulisic’s role in assisting Balogun reinforced his value as a creative outlet in the final third. Even if not at his absolute peak, Pulisic continues to be a difference-maker — a player who can unlock tight defensive shapes.
Defensive unit & goalkeeper
The defense generally held well. Tristan Blackmon (and Pochettino’s full-back options) received credit for covering wide threats; the back three worked to limit Japan’s central penetrations. Matt Freese had some jittery moments early, according to some live trackers, but avoided game-changing errors. The shutout was a collective accomplishment.
Notable subs & fringe players
Substitutes like Jack McGlynn and Damion Downs made positive contributions and nearly extended the advantage, showing depth in the American pool — an encouraging sign for a manager building toward 2026.
Statistical snapshot & key metrics
(Highlights drawn from box scores and live match coverage.)
- Final score: USA 2 — Japan 0. (ESPN.com)
- Shots (total / on target): USA out-shot Japan with a healthy edge in attempts and had multiple high-quality chances .
- Possession: Pochettino’s side controlled meaningful spells, especially after taking the lead; possession metrics favored the US in phases where they shifted to ball retention.
- Passing & xG: The Americans’ xG rose in the second half as they created more clear-cut opportunities; Balogun’s finish was a high-probability chance. Exact xG and progressive passing stats are available on detailed trackers like Opta/ESPN.
For the granular statline (passes completed, progressive carries, pressures, expected goals), see ESPN’s match report and the US Soccer official match recap.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
How the match looked through the lens of preparation for 2026
This friendly served more than a result — it was an experiment in identity. Pochettino, still relatively new to the role, is balancing the urgency of results with the need to test systems and personnel. Key lessons for his World Cup planning:
- Tactical flexibility matters. The 3-4-2-1 provided balance; Pochettino can now consider it alongside other shapes depending on opponent and tournament context.
- Bench depth is encouraging. Players like Zendejas and Jack McGlynn pushed for consideration and delivered in clutch moments.
- Goalkeeper clarity needed. If Freese remains in the picture, more clean, composed performances will be required to cement trust in high-pressure games.
At the World Cup — hosted across multiple U.S./Canada/Mexico venues — Pochettino will be judged by how well his side can adapt, close out games and manage different match tempos. This victory is a constructive box tick, not the endgame.
Counterpoints: What still worried the coaching staff and fans
While the scoreline looked comfortable, match reports surfaced a few concerns:
- Midfield hesitancy: Occasional passive sequences allowed Japan to regain possession in the middle third; the U.S. sometimes looked slow to press the halfway line.
- Goalkeeper nervousness: Matt Freese’s early shaky moments were noted — Pochettino later defended his goalkeeping choices but crew will want to build certainty under pressure.
- Need for consistent high-level performances: The USMNT has shown they can flip between promising and puzzling across windows; consistency will be the key variable between knockout contenders and pretenders at a home World Cup.
Fan reaction, broadcast & where to watch next time
- Atmosphere: The crowd in Columbus provided a strong home advantage — a useful reminder that the U.S. fanbase can create an intimidating, energizing environment for visiting sides.
- Broadcast: In the U.S., the match was available across TNT and streaming platforms including Max; international viewers used regional sports networks or streaming services per local rights. Match previews and TV/streaming guides listed times and platform options.
If you missed the live action, full match highlights and a condensed match replay are typically posted on USSoccer.com, ESPN/MLS platforms, and the USSF YouTube channel within hours.
What the coaches said (post-match soundbites)
Pochettino praised the players’ attitude and emphasized long-term building over single results: he highlighted the importance of commitment during a long international cycle and welcomed the tactical insights this friendly provided. Players echoed the sentiment of growing cohesion and a willingness to fight to the last minute. Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, acknowledged his rotated XI and suggested the match offered constructive data for tactical rebuilding.
An incredible night for The Amazing Max Arfsten 🫶 pic.twitter.com/OrH49pwb1K
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) September 10, 2025
Next steps: USMNT calendar & the road to 2026
With the September window complete, the USMNT will regroup for further friendlies and high-profile tune-ups before the decisive pre-World Cup cycle. The next scheduled opponents (often announced by US Soccer) include matches against Ecuador and Australia in October — important tests against varied tactical profiles ahead of the World Cup. Players and staff will use monthly windows to refine set-piece routines, cement a core starting XI, and test backup plans for injury contingencies.
How Japan viewed the result (response & framing)
Japan rotated and experimented themselves, viewing the match as an opportunity to test depth. Even in defeat, their technical play was visible — the coach will analyze possession phases and defensive compactness. Japan will return to Asia with useful lessons on how to defend against fast transitions and set pieces, and the match provided a benchmark for younger players gaining exposure at a high level.
Bottom line — why this matters
The 2–0 win over Japan does not solve every tactical mystery, but it does provide confidence, tactical validation and a clearer view of squad depth heading into the critical 2026 pre-tournament months. Pochettino will want more consistency, especially from his midfield and goalkeeper choices, but the victory is the kind of result that keeps selection debates constructive rather than crisis-driven. For fans in Columbus it was an evening of optimism and, for the squad, a useful building block on the road to the World Cup.
Quick FAQ (what readers search for)
Q: What was the final score of USA vs Japan?
A: USA 2 – Japan 0. Goals: Zendejas and Balogun. (ESPN.com)
Q: Who scored for the USMNT?
A: Alejandro Zendejas (first half) and Folarin Balogun (64′). (U.S. Soccer)
Q: Where was the match played and when?
A: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio — September 9, 2025. (Stars and Stripes FC)
Q: Where could I watch the broadcast?
A: In the U.S. the game streamed on TNT / Max and other regional streaming options; check local listings. (Stars and Stripes FC)
Q: Does this mean the USMNT are ready for 2026?
A: One friendly win helps momentum, but the real test is consistent performances across several windows and strong showings in higher-stakes matches before and during the 2026 World Cup. (The Washington Post)