【Match Report】Nadeshiko Japan Pull One Back Through Ueki’s Header but Fall Short in Comeback, Losing 1–2 in Opening Match Against USA

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13 April 2026

【Match Report】Nadeshiko Japan Pull One Back Through Ueki’s Header but Fall Short in Comeback, Losing 1–2 in Opening Match Against USA

Fresh from being crowned champions of Asia, Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) took on a formidable USA Women’s National Team. Caretaker head coach KANO Michihisa selected a 4-3-3 formation, positioning NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC) at the base of midfield.

“Let’s take the initiative,” called HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City), and it was Japan who made the brighter start. From a throw-in by KITAGAWA Hikaru (Everton), the ball was moved with tempo, and a pass from Nagano released MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United) in behind. Although she was just unable to get the decisive touch, it signalled Japan’s attacking intent.

However, in the 9th minute, the USA struck first. A free-kick was flicked back across goal with a single touch, and Rose Lavelle converted. With Japan having numbers in front of goal, it was a particularly frustrating goal to concede.

Despite the early setback, Japan continued to create chances. A long-range effort from TANIKAWA Momoko (Bayern Munich), a powerful strike from FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City), and a well-timed run in behind by MATSUKUBO Manaka (North Carolina Courage) all threatened the American defence. Japan fashioned opportunities on multiple occasions, but were repeatedly denied by resolute defending, and went into the break trailing by a single goal.

Seeking an equaliser, Japan pushed forward after the restart, but in the 48th minute, possession was lost and the USA capitalised with a swift counter-attack to double their lead.

Determined to respond, Japan made a quadruple substitution in the 60th minute, introducing TANAKA Mina (Utah Royals), HAMANO Maika (Tottenham Hotspur), HAYASHI Honoka (Everton), and CHIBA Remina (Eintracht Frankfurt). The changes had an immediate impact. A right-sided cross from Hamano was initially cleared, but Hayashi reacted quickest to the loose ball and kept the attack alive, allowing UEKI Riko (West Ham United) to head home and reduce the deficit.

Japan continued to press, and in the 79th minute, Ueki was presented with a golden opportunity. From a right-sided corner delivered by Hasegawa, Hayashi’s effort fell kindly in the centre, where Ueki controlled and struck quickly, only to see her shot go straight at the goalkeeper.

Japan pushed forward relentlessly, including through four minutes of additional time, but were ultimately unable to find a second goal, falling 1–2 in the opening match. The team will now travel to Seattle to face the USA again after a two-day interval.

Coach and Players' Comments

KANO Michihisa, Caretaker Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
We had prepared for a number of scenarios, but conceding early meant we were forced into a chasing game. I believe the players felt that their technical quality, dynamism, and overall level of performance are more than capable of matching the USA. However, when we approach the final third, even small errors or a lack of cohesion can quickly lead to counter-attacks and put us under pressure. We are able to see the structure of how we want to break teams down but refining that final phase is something we must continue to work on. With only one training session before the next match, our priority will be recovery, while making sure we align our approach and make the necessary adjustments on the pitch.

DF #6 KOGA Toko (Tottenham Hotspur/England)
In terms of speed and physicality, the USA have the edge, but being able to hold our own in one-on-one situations within that context is what will ultimately help this team. Aside from the two goals we conceded, I don’t think we were outplayed, so that is something we can take confidence from. Personally, I still feel I can do more. Compared to when we faced them at the Olympics, I didn’t feel the same level of threat. If we had remained more focused during the periods that led to those goals, and taken our chances when they came, the match could have unfolded very differently. In the next two matches, it will be crucial for each player to win their individual duels, to outwork and outcompete them.

FW #9 UEKI Riko (West Ham United/England)
For the goal, I thought I might have been offside, so that perhaps helped me relax and convert the header. Anticipating second balls and preparing to move towards goal is one of my strengths, and I think that good preparation led to the goal. Watching from the bench in the first half, I felt that our defensive organisation was effective for large periods, and we did not allow many clear chances. However, top teams like the USA are clinical with the few opportunities they get, and I felt that was the difference. I also had other chances in front of goal, and given that we ended up losing, I need to improve my finishing further. At the same time, I want to continue putting myself in positions to create and convert those chances.