Ueda and Doan Score as Japan Beat New Zealand to Make It Four Wins from Four at Home [Summary: KIRIN CUP SOCCER 2026 Japan vs New Zealand]

Japan defeated New Zealand 2-1 in the KIRIN CUP SOCCER 2026 final on 5 October to lift the title and complete a run of four consecutive home matches with four wins.

Japan made five changes to the starting line-up from their match against Ecuador four days earlier and lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Zion Suzuki started in goal, with Junnosuke Suzuki, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko and Shuto Nakano forming the back four from left to right. Daichi Kamada and Kaishu Sano played in central midfield, while Daizen Maeda, Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan lined up behind lone striker Ayase Ueda.

Japan dominated possession from the outset and pushed forward in search of an opening, with Doan getting several shots away. New Zealand defended with a back five, however, and proved difficult to break down.

Japan gradually began to find a way through and took the lead in the 28th minute. Nakano delivered a cross from the right and Ueda met it with his left foot to put Japan ahead.

New Zealand hit back four minutes later when Japan lost possession with a misplaced pass and were caught on the counter, allowing Ben Old to equalise.

Japan continued to pin New Zealand back after the break but struggled to create a clear opening. Ao Tanaka, Keito Nakamura and Junya Ito were introduced in the 64th minute to add more directness to Japan’s play, and the breakthrough came seven minutes later. Nakamura drove deep down the left before cutting the ball back for Doan, who finished to restore Japan’s lead.

Japan kept pushing for a third goal. Kodai Sano, Hayato Araki and Kento Shiogai came on in the 78th minute as Japan switched to a back three, before Kuryu Matsuki and Satoshi Tanaka were introduced in the 87th.

Although a third goal did not come, Japan remained in control and saw out a 2-1 victory to claim the Kirin Cup title.

■ Match Data
Japan vs New Zealand