Japan emerged victorious in the KIRIN WORLD CHALLENGE 2026 on Saturday night (Sunday morning Japan time), as Junya Ito’s solitary strike secured a 1-0 victory away to Scotland in Glasgow.
The first chance at Hampden Park fell the way of the hosts in the eighth minute, but Scott McTominay saw his effort from close range brilliantly saved by former Urawa Reds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, before the ball bounced off the post and was cleared to safety.
Japan then had a couple of chances of their own towards the end of the first half, as a snapshot from former Kawasaki Frontale midfielder Ao Tanaka hit the bar in the 38th minute and Yuito Suzuki, formerly of Shimizu S-Pulse, sent an attempt straight at Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn four minutes later.
McTominay then worked Zion Suzuki again either side of half-time, drawing a routine save from a header in the last minute of the first period and then seeing a free-kick from 10 yards outside the area tipped over seven minutes after the restart.
Zion Suzuki was called into action again in the 55th minute when Andy Robertson tore down the left and lashed a fierce drive goalwards, with Japan then threatening after a fine move 12 minutes later.
After Zion Suzuki played the ball forward, ex-Kashima Antlers striker Ayase Ueda cushioned a great header into former Kawasaki Frontale forward Kaoru Mitoma in the centre circle, who in turn played Ito in behind. The Kashiwa Reysol alum continued into the penalty area and twisted and turned as he looked to make space for the shot, but his eventual effort was saved by Gunn.
The Samurai Blue went close again two minutes later as former Gamba Osaka winger Keito Nakamura laid inside to Mitoma, but after he broke into the box and prodded an effort beyond the onrushing Gunn, Kenny McLean tracked back to clear off the line.
Scotland then threatened to take the lead with 11 minutes remaining, but substitute George Hirst could only lash his shot into the side netting after cutting in from the left, and five minutes later it was instead Japan who made the breakthrough.
Mitoma set the wheels in motion as he played ex-Shonan Bellmare defender Junnosuke Suzuki in behind, and he cut the ball back for former Yokohama F･Marinos striker Kento Shiogai. The national team debutant then nudged on to Ito, who set himself with a composed touch before firing into the net via a slight touch off Gunn’s outstretched boot.
Next up for Japan is a trip to Wembley Stadium in London, where they will take on England on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning Japan time).
