Japan's starting eleven for Thursday's Kirin Challenge Cup match against Uruguay includes Kuryu Matsuki, who will make his first senior international start, according to gekisaka.jp. The lineup announcement also handed starting roles to Yuito Suzuki and Kodai Sano, the outlet reported.
The fixture is set for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Q&A Stadium Miyagi in Miyagi, per the Japan Football Association's listing of the visiting Uruguay squad. The match falls under the Kirin Challenge Cup banner and pits Hajime Moriyasu's SAMURAI BLUE against the Uruguayans.
On the Uruguayan side, the starting lineup was also released, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Darwin Nunez among those named to begin the match, according to a report carried by topics.smt.docomo.ne.jp. That outlet noted the game marks the first match in charge for new Uruguay coach Forlan.
The selection of Matsuki, Suzuki and Sano signals Moriyasu's willingness to test younger options in this window. Coverage of the Japan squad in the buildup included a daily.co.jp report describing Ritsu Doan's demeanor and appearance while traveling, noting his expression ahead of the Uruguay match.
With both teams having confirmed their starters, attention now turns to how the less experienced Japan players handle a Uruguay side beginning a new coaching era. Kickoff at Q&A Stadium Miyagi will show whether Moriyasu's choices pay off.
