The US men’s national team will continue their 2022 World Cup preparations with two friendlies in September against fellow Qatar participants Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The American side is set to play Japan on September 23 at an undetermined location, before meeting Saudi Arabia on September 27 at Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia, Spain. Kickoff times will be announced at a later date.
The September window marks the final gathering period for the American team before heading into the competition in November, where they face England, Wales and Iran in Group B.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to measure ourselves against fellow World Cup participants,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said in a release. “Together with the two games in June against Morocco and Uruguay, we will have experienced a great diversity of styles and quality opponents to help us prepare for what lies ahead at the World Cup in November.”
The USMNT last faced off against Japan in 2006, in an international friendly where the American side triumphed 3-2. The Samurai Blue stand as a strong opponent after managing a 15W-2L-1D record during AFC qualifying to reach their seventh consecutive World Cup.
The Asian nation faces Costa Rica, Germany and Spain in Group E.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, went 13W-1L-4D in the AFC qualifying cycle before being drawn into Group C alongside Argentina, Mexico and Poland for their sixth World Cup appearance. The United States hold a 3W-2L-1D record against the Green Falcons, making for an interesting rival in September.
