TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Japan Football Association on Friday released the 2023 match schedule for the men’s national team, with their first game after the World Cup scheduled for March 23 at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
The Samurai Blue, who defeated Germany and Spain en route to reaching the round of 16 in Qatar, are also scheduled to play friendly matches at home on March 28, as well as June 15 and 20, against teams to be determined.
On the selection of Japan’s manager, with incumbent Hajime Moriyasu among the candidates, JFA technical director Yasuharu Sorimachi said, “We haven’t made a decision. We would like to make an announcement at an early date.”
Later in 2023, Japan will have two matches away in September and two matches at home in October before competing in November in the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The women’s national team will participate in the four-team SheBelieves Cup tournament in February featuring Brazil, Canada and hosts the United States, in the run-up to the Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20.
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