
With the World Cup almost upon us, Canada will have one last chance to fine tune their preparations against Qatar-bound team Japan at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.
The Samurai Blue, unbeaten in five matches and without conceding a goal throughout the matches – which included a 2-0 win over the United States in September – will give John Herdman’s side a tough test ahead of their Group F opener. Belgium on November 23.
Canada’s form heading into its first World Cup finals tournament in 36 years has been less impressive, with Les Rouges winning just one of their last four matches.
Will they go into the tournament proper with a win under their belt? Or will Japan have too much as they continue their own warm-up schedule before taking on European heavyweights Germany and Spain in the group stages?
Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Japan vs Canada. Follow below for all the action.
MORE: Canada World Cup Roster for Qatar 2022
Japan vs Canada Live Score
1H | 2H | final | |
Japan | 1 | – | – |
Canada | 1 | – | – |
Goals:
8th minute – JPN – Yuki Soma
21st minute – CAN – Steven Vitoria
Lineups:
Japan (4-3-1-2, right to left): Gonda (GK) – Taniguchi, Itakura, Sakai; – Ito; Shibasaki, Tanaka, Mon; Asano – Kubo, Minamino
Canada (3-4-1-2, right to left): 18. Borjan (GK) – 2. Johnston, 5. Vitoria, 4. Miller – 13. Hutchinson, 6. Piet, 11. Buchanan 3. Adekugbe – 10. Hoilett, 20. David, 17. Laurin
More: Watch World Cup matches live via fuboTV (US-only free trial)
Japan vs Canada live updates, World Cup warm-up highlights
27 minutes: From the resulting corner, which Japan again failed to deal with, Liam Miller headed over for Canada. They could be ahead now, but more promising signs for John Herdman’s side.
26 minutes: Buchanan was a real threat for Canada in this first half and another promising run ended with a low shot saved at the near post by Japan keeper Gonda.
21 mins: Equalizer for Canada! Japan failed to deal with another swinging corner from Junior Hoilett. It is assisted by Atiba Hutchinson and Steven Vittoria Sweeps it home right-footed from close range.
The goal is 🇨🇦
Steven Vitoria from the corner! 😎#CanMNT 1-1 draw against Japan as Vitoria connected on a set piece in the 21st minute
🔴 https://t.co/7JFAUhgRAE pic.twitter.com/0qF3MHfC3W
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) November 17, 2022
16 minutes: Opportunity for Canada. A deep corner finds Junior Hoilett, who sees it into the six-yard box. Japan are clear as far as Ciel Laurin on the edge of the area, but his left-footed effort is blocked.
8 mins: Goal for Japan! The ball was clipped over the top of the Canadian defense by Shibasaki and keeper Milan Borjan came out but failed to get to it first. Yuki Soma, Flicks it into the net with the outside of his right boot. Clever finish.
The goal is 🇯🇵
Yuki Soma gave Japan an early lead #CanMNTIn the 8th minute, Milan caught Borjan with a well-clipped shot
🔴 https://t.co/7JFAUhxUCE pic.twitter.com/uDh9yw88C1
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) November 17, 2022
3 minutes: Both teams Mutual feelings in these early stages. Japan are trying to play from the back, but Canada’s Sail Larin is keeping them on their toes.
2 minutes from kickoff: The Anthems are happening at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai and we will start soon.
10 minutes from kickoff: We finally have confirmation of the Japan team and here it is!
Japan (4-3-1-2, right to left): Gonda (GK) – Taniguchi, Itakura, Sakai; – Ito; Shibasaki, Tanaka, Mon; Asano; – Kubo, Minamino
In the final exam @FIFAWorldCup Preparation 👊#We can do it pic.twitter.com/CxqQFKUQv1
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 17, 2022
30 minutes from kickoff: This There is It was Canada’s final game before their second World Cup appearance, and their first since 1986 – where they failed to score against France, Hungary or the Soviet Union. Les Rouges, ranked 41st in the world, have a formidable task in Group F against 2018 finalists Croatia (12th) and Morocco (22nd) against Kevin De Bruyne’s Belgium. But after a grueling 20-match qualifying campaign that included trips to the hostility, heat and humidity of Honduras and El Salvador, this group is clearly made of sterner stuff.
60 minutes from kickoff: Team Canada is out! And the main title is that talisman Alphonso Davis Not included in the starting line-up or on the bench. Will he be fit to start the World Cup opener against Belgium after his recent hamstring problems?
your #CANMNT Early XI v. Japan#We can do it pic.twitter.com/WgnW356MiG
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 17, 2022
75 minutes from kickoff: If you’re joining us from British Columbia or anywhere in western North America, kudos to you, and good morning! The good news is that you won’t have to get up so early for the three World Cup group games in Qatar.
- Canada v Belgium, November 23, KO: 14:00 ET/11:00 PT
- Canada v Croatia, November 27, KO: 11:00 ET/08:00 PT
- Canada vs. Morocco, December 1, KO: 10:00 ET/07:00 PT
its #CANMNT Match day! 🍁
Canada will face Japan in their final friendly match @FIFAWorldCup. Take advantage of these early start times in Canada! ⏰
⏰: 8:40AM ET / 5:40AM PT
🆚: 🇯🇵 Japan
🏟️: Al Maktoum Stadium 🇦🇪
📺: @onesoccer
#️⃣: #We can do it pic.twitter.com/mNfQE7fZHC— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 17, 2022
90 minutes from kickoff: What about Canadian opponents today? Japan, ranked 24th in the world, will certainly find one of the toughest groups in Qatar, alongside two European powerhouses in Spain and Germany. The Samurai Blue begin their campaign against the Germans next Wednesday, November 23, before facing Costa Rica four days later. Their last Group E match was against 2010 champions Spain on 1 December.
If that sounds like a tough assignment, it’s worth remembering that Japan have reached the last 16 in three of the last five World Cups, including 2018. 3-2 to Belgium, leading 2-0.
MORE: Cut down Japan’s 26-man World Cup squad
2 hours 15 minutes from kickoff: A reminder that this friendly is being played at Dubai’s Al Maktoum Stadium, a short hop across the Persian Gulf from the two sides’ bases in Qatar. Canada, a 200-1 outsider for the World Cup, appears to have already won hearts and minds in the host nation.
🤝 Integration through the common language of football ⚽️
His first participation #FIFAWorldCup Since 1986, @KanadaSoccerEN Already making a positive impact off the pitch.
Last night, teammates spent time with volunteers to show their appreciation:
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) November 15, 2022
3 hours from kickoff: Hello, and welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of today’s World Cup practice match between Japan and Canada. This is the final chance for both managers to get their teams into action before the real fun begins. They hope all the players stay unscathed and avoid any late injuries…
Training without cutting 🎬
Go behind the scenes #CANMNTFirst FIFA World Cup training session! 💪#We can do it
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 16, 2022
Japan vs Canada Teams, Team News
Former Liverpool forward Takumi MinaminoNow in Monaco, starting for Japan, as well Takefusa Kubo The front also adds some star quality. Daichi Lust is on the bench.
Japan (4-3-1-2, right to left): Gonda (GK) – Taniguchi, Itakura, Sakai; – Ito; Shibasaki, Tanaka, Mon; Asano; – Kubo, Minamino
Talisman Alphonso Davis He is not fit enough to take his place on the Canadian team as he recovers from recent hamstring injury issues.
But the Lille striker Jonathan DavidWith nine goals in 15 appearances for the French side so far this season, Reading has started up front in support of the winger. Junior Hoilett And Club Brugge forward Sail Laurin.
Canada (3-4-1-2, right to left): 18. Borjan (GK) – 2. Johnston, 5. Vitoria, 4. Miller – 13. Hutchinson, 6. Piet, 11. Buchanan 3. Adekugbe – 10. Hoilett, 20. David, 17. Laurin
Japan vs Canada Live Stream, TV Channel
date | time | TV channel | streaming | |
USA | Thursday, November 17 | 08:40 ET | – | – |
Australia | Friday, November 18 | 00:40 AEDT | – | – |
UK | Thursday, November 17 | 13:40 GMT | – | Bet365 |
Canada | Thursday, November 17 | 08:40 EST | – | fuboTV, OneSoccer |
Hong Kong | Thursday, November 17 | 21:40 HKT | – | Now T.V |
India | Thursday, November 17 | 19:10 IST | – | – |
Malaysia | Thursday, November 17 | 21:40 MYT | – | – |
New Zealand | Thursday, November 17 | 02:40 NZDT | – | – |
Singapore | Thursday, November 17 | 21:40 SGT | – | – |