Japan vs Uruguay ended in a 3-1 victory for Japan in an international friendly on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Q&A Stadium Miyagi. The match also marked Diego Forlán’s debut as Uruguay’s interim head coach.

Uruguay stayed competitive for most of the game, but Japan scored twice in stoppage time to secure the win. Kuryu Matsuki opened the scoring, Maximiliano Araújo equalized before halftime, and Kento Shiogai and Ayase Ueda scored late to complete Japan’s victory.

Japan 3-1 Uruguay: Goals and Match Result

Japan made a quick start and took the lead in the 11th minute. Kuryu Matsuki created space outside the penalty area before firing a low shot across goal to put the hosts 1-0 ahead.

Uruguay attempted to respond with high pressing and greater control of possession, but the visitors initially struggled to connect their midfield and attack effectively.

The equalizer arrived shortly before halftime. Rodrigo Bentancur won the ball in an advanced position and played Federico Viñas through. After the striker’s effort was saved by Tomoki Hayakawa, Maximiliano Araújo reacted quickly to the rebound and fired Uruguay level at 1-1.

Uruguay Held Japan Until the Final Minutes

The second half was closely contested, with both teams creating opportunities. Uruguay improved after the break and looked more dangerous as Bentancur became increasingly influential in midfield.

However, Japan regained the lead in the 92nd minute. Kento Shiogai found himself unmarked in front of Sergio Mele and calmly finished to make it 2-1.

Uruguay appealed for an offside decision, but the VAR review confirmed that Shiogai was onside, with Mathías Olivera keeping the Japanese forward in play.

Japan then delivered the decisive blow just minutes later. Takefusa Kubo won possession on the right and found Ayase Ueda inside the area. Ueda made no mistake with his finish, giving Japan a 3-1 victory.

Diego Forlán’s Uruguay Debut

The Japan vs Uruguay friendly was particularly significant for Uruguay because it marked the beginning of Diego Forlán’s tenure as interim coach.

Forlán selected Santiago Mele in goal, with Nahitan Nández, Ronald Araújo, Mathías Olivera and Juan Manuel Sanabria in defense. Brian Rodríguez, Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur and Maximiliano Araújo formed the midfield, while Darwin Núñez and Federico Viñas led the attack.

Although Uruguay suffered defeat, the team remained in contention for much of the match before defensive mistakes in the closing stages changed the outcome.

Japan Takes Advantage of Late Opportunities

Japan showed strong efficiency in front of goal. Matsuki’s early strike gave the hosts an important advantage, while Shiogai and Ueda produced the decisive moments at the end of the match.

Japan’s starting lineup featured Tomoki Hayakawa, Ayumu Seko, Hiroki Ito, Kou Itakura, Kaishu Sano, Keito Nakamura, Kuryu Matsuki, Yuito Suzuki, Kodai Sano, Ritsu Doan and Daizen Maeda.

Japan vs Uruguay Final Score

Japan 3-1 Uruguay

• 11′ — Kuryu Matsuki (Japan)

• 42′ — Maximiliano Araújo (Uruguay)

• 92′ — Kento Shiogai (Japan)

• 96′ — Ayase Ueda (Japan)

The result gives Japan a notable victory in the international friendly, while Uruguay will need to address the defensive problems that appeared during the final stages.

What Is Next for Uruguay?

After facing Japan, Uruguay will continue its Asian tour with another friendly during the FIFA international window.

Uruguay’s next match is against South Korea on Monday, September 28, before the team faces India on October 6.

The Japan vs Uruguay match ultimately belonged to the hosts, who turned a 1-1 scoreline into a 3-1 victory with two late goals. For Japan, it was a memorable finish, while Forlán’s first match in charge of Uruguay ended with a difficult result.