Japan will host Iceland on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo for the Kirin Challenge Cup 2026.
The match serves as a final dress rehearsal before the Samurai Blue embark on their World Cup campaign in North America.
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Japan's Preparations
Manager Hajime Moriyasu is using the fixture to sharpen tactical combinations ahead of Japan's Group F opener against the Netherlands on June 14, according to sportsmole.
co. uk.
Japan enters the match following consecutive spring friendly victories over England and Scotland. The team has lost only once in 11 matches since completing their qualification campaign.
Defensively, Japan has been formidable, conceding just three goals across 10 qualification matches.
The home side has named a 26-man squad but will be without Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma due to injury.
Forward Junya Ito is also unavailable because of club commitments with Genk. Midfielder Wataru Endo will captain the starting lineup alongside Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino.
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Iceland's Outlook
Iceland arrives in Tokyo after finishing third in their qualifying group behind France and Ukraine, failing to secure a World Cup berth.
Arnar Gunnlaugsson's side aims to snap a four-match winless streak.
That streak includes a recent 1-1 draw against Haiti and a 4-0 defeat against Mexico, as reported by sportsmole.
co. uk and mrfixitstips.
co. uk.
The visiting 32-man squad features veteran midfielder Aron Gunnarsson, who holds 108 international caps, and playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson.
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Following this fixture, Iceland is scheduled to travel to Alabama next month for an international friendly against reigning world champions Argentina.
