The United States hope to put a stop to their losing ways when they host Japan in an international friendly at Lower.com Field in Columbus on Tuesday, September 9.
American fans are getting restless after seeing Mauricio Pochettino lose his sixth match of 2025, and his team selection hasn’t helped matters.
I explain why things might get worse for the manager in our USA vs. Japan predictions and soccer picks.
USA vs Japan picks and predictions
My USA vs Japan best bet: Japan moneyline (+125 at Sports Interaction)
I’m putting my money on a Japanese victory. I’m not overthinking this one, and neither should you.
Leave the overthinking for Mauricio Pochettino. His inability to see what most USMNT fans see — that the MLS-based American fringe players are simply not good enough — continues to leave the national team looking woefully unprepared for next summer’s World Cup, particularly at midfield.
That midfield was dominated in the first half vs. South Korea. The Yanks had just three shots, with only one on target, and failed to create a single big chance.
South Korea played a compact 5-4-1 shape, and the Americans couldn’t break it down. When they turned it over, the Koreans broke quickly and converted two of their four shots to lead 2-0 at the break.
The Korean keeper made some big saves late, but the Americans, yet again, failed to score against good opposition. In fact, the USMNT has scored just one goal in its last five matches against Top 25 teams in the FIFA world rankings.
One goal. Total. In more than 450 minutes of action.
That’s not a fluke, and it’s not a trend. It’s a symptom of Pochettino’s tinkering with the squad, being unable to field his preferred XI for various reasons, and a seeming lack of a plan when the team is on the pitch.
Japan are ranked 17th. They’ve got two dangerous attackers in Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino, both of whom have the pace and technical ability to hurt them on the counter.
They’ve also got Kaoru Mitoma on the left, who will put pressure on a vulnerable American right-back position. Premier League midfielders Wataru Endo and Daichi Kamada will be a difficult tandem for the mismatched American central trio.
The last Top 25 nation that the Americans beat, other than Mexico, was Iran at the 2022 World Cup. They’ve not won any of the last seven against such sides, and have been outscored a whopping 17-3 in that timeframe.
Mexico drew against Japan, but the Japanese had more chances and likely should’ve won. They’ll frustrate the USMNT with their compact shape, hit them on the break as Korea did, and leave even more American fans wondering if the USSF hired the wrong manager.
USA vs Japan same-game parlay (SGP)
Japan moneyline
Japan 1H moneyline
Under 3.5
The Americans have conceded before halftime in each of those last seven matches against Top-25 nations in the FIFA rankings.
They’ve given up 12 goals in total, and have trailed at halftime in two of their last three. Japan held Mexico without a shot on goal in the first half on Saturday
Japan have allowed just one goal in their last five matches, a 1-0 loss to Australia back in June. I’ll be surprised if the Americans score, but we’ll protect against a possible 2-1 win and take the Under 3.5.
USA vs Japan odds
USA vs Japan live odds
 USA |
 Japan |
|
|---|---|---|
| +200 | Moneyline | +125 |
| +240 | Draw | +240 |
| Over 2.5 (-118) | Total | Under 2.5 (-120) |
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction.
USA vs Japan opening odds
- Moneyline: USA +200 | Japan +125
- Draw: +240
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 (-118) | Under 2.5 (-120)
How to watch USA vs Japan
| Location | Lower.com Field, Columbus, OH |
| Date | Tuesday, September 9, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
| Weather | 69F, wind 6-10 mph, PoP 0% |
USA vs Japan key injuries
USA: None.
Japan: Ko Itakura D (Doubtful).
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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