The victory came after Japan’s painful 2–1 defeat to Brazil in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result that once again ended their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals. Now, under manager Hajime Moriyasu, the Samurai Blue are turning their attention to the next challenge: building a stronger squad ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
Ayase Ueda Turns the Match Around
Venezuela struck first through Kevin Kelsy, putting Japan under pressure in Hiroshima.
But Japan refused to collapse.
Ayase Ueda produced the response Japan needed, scoring to bring the hosts level before finding the net again deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback.
The late winner gave Japan their second victory of the September international window after they defeated Uruguay 3–1 on September 24.
Moriyasu Begins a New Chapter
The Venezuela match is part of Japan’s first international window since the 2026 World Cup.
Moriyasu remains in charge until the conclusion of the 2027 Asian Cup, despite Japan’s early World Cup exit. The Japan Football Association has already confirmed that he will remain at the helm through the continental tournament before Go Oiwa takes over.
The coach has also begun widening his options. Japan’s latest squad includes four first-time senior call-ups, while several players from the World Cup squad remain part of the core group.
From World Cup Pain to Asian Cup Ambition
Japan’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak when Brazil came from behind to win 2–1 in Houston. Kai Shu Sano had given Japan the lead before Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli turned the match around.
That disappointment has now become the backdrop to Japan’s next mission.
The Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for early 2027, will be Moriyasu’s final tournament in charge of the national team. Japan will enter the competition seeking another continental title while simultaneously developing players who could form the backbone of the next generation.
New Faces Making Their Mark
Japan’s first post-World Cup match against Uruguay already offered encouraging signs of squad development.
Kuryu Matsuki and Kento Shiogai scored their first international goals in the 3–1 victory, while Ayase Ueda also found the net. The JFA described the match as a winning start to Japan’s preparations for the Asian Cup.
The inclusion of new players alongside established names such as Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan and Daichi Kamada shows that Moriyasu is attempting to balance continuity with fresh competition for places.
The Road Ahead
Japan’s September window does not end with Venezuela. The Samurai Blue will face Ecuador on October 1 in the Kirin Cup Soccer 2026 before another match against either Panama or New Zealand on October 5.
These matches provide Moriyasu with valuable opportunities to test combinations, assess emerging players and strengthen the squad before the Asian Cup.
A Painful Exit, A New Beginning
Japan’s World Cup dream ended in tears against Brazil. But only three months later, the Samurai Blue have begun writing a different story.
Two wins from two matches against Uruguay and Venezuela have given Moriyasu and his players momentum — and Ueda’s dramatic late winner in Hiroshima provided the kind of emotional response Japan needed after its World Cup disappointment.
The World Cup chapter is closed. The Asian Cup challenge has begun.