Japan overwhelms Canada en route to 4-1 win in men's soccer friendly

With a home World Cup looming in 2026, Canada knows it has to test itself against elite opposition from outside CONCACAF. On Friday, the Canadian men were shown that such lessons can be painful.

Ao Tanaka scored twice as Japan, showing its class, overwhelmed Canada 4-1 in a soccer friendly.

The Japanese, the top-ranked team in Asia at No. 19, were well-organized and led 3-0 at the break after pouncing on mistakes by No. 44 Canada. The Canadians had no answers for the Samurai Blue's speed and discipline.

"For us, obviously there's a lot of learnings from this game. There's things we need to improve," interim Canada coach Mauro Biello said.

Not everyone would agree. It was a comprehensive Japan victory.

Keito Nakamura also scored before a lively crowd of some 32,000 at the Denka Big Swan Stadium. Japan, extending its win streak to five games, also benefited from an Alphonso Davies own goal.

Junior Hoilett scored a tap-in consolation goal in the 89th minute after Japan 'keeper Keisuke Osako could not corral a Jonathan David low cross. It was Hoilett's 16th goal in 60 Canada appearances.

Down 1-0, Canada had a chance to pull even in the 22nd minute only to see Osako stop David's penalty kick. David sent his shot down the middle of the goal and a diving Osako acrobatically got a foot to it.

Japan outshot Canada 19-6 (8-3 in shots on target).

The game was Canada's first under Biello, a former assistant coach who was put in charge after John Herdman left to take over Toronto FC.

Canada had a nightmarish start, conceding in the second minute. Japan pressed from the get-go and Canada, after a turnover by Davies, failed four times to clear its penalty box. The ball went to Tanaka and the Fortuna Duesseldorf midfielder's shot beat