SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced Ecuador National Team at International Stadium Yokohama in Kanagawa on Thursday 1 October in the KIRIN CUP SOCCER 2026. After the match finished goalless, Japan prevailed 5-3 in the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper SUZUKI Zion (Aston Villa FC) making a crucial save to send his side through to the final on Monday 5 October. They will face New Zealand National Team at National Stadium in Tokyo.

Facing an Ecuador side that reached the Round of 32 at this summer's FIFA World Cup™, Japan made extensive changes to the team that started against Venezuela three days earlier.

Suzuki started in goal, with SEKO Ayumu (Le Havre AC), making his third consecutive start, joined in the back three by ITAKURA Kou (Borussia Monchengladbach), who returned after missing the previous match through injury, and ITO Hiroki (FC Bayern Munich). SANO Kaishu (1.FSV Mainz 05) and TANAKA Ao (Leeds United FC) lined up in central midfield, with DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt) at right wing-back and NAKAMURA Keito (Olympique Lyonnais) on the left. TANIMURA Kaina (Yokohama F. Marinos), earning his first national team call-up during this international window, led the line, with KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad) and SUZUKI Yuito (SC Freiburg) playing behind him. .....

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日本サッカー協会（JFA）／日本代表／なでしこジャパン(@japanfootballassociation)がシェアした投稿

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