Japan vs. Canada live score, updates, highlights & lineups from World Cup warmup match as Les Rouges prepare for Qatar

With the World Cup almost upon us, Canada will have one last chance to fine tune their preparations when they take on fellow Qatar-bound side Japan at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.

The Samurai Blue, undefeated in five games and having not conceded a goal throughout that run of matches — which included a 2-0 victory in September over the United States — will present a stern test for John Herdman’s side ahead of their Group F opener against Belgium on November 23.

Canada’s form going into its first World Cup finals tournament in 36 years has been less impressive, with Les Rouges having won just one of its last four matches.

Will they head into the tournament proper with a win under their belt? Or will Japan have just too much as they continue their own warmup schedule before taking on European heavyweights Germany and Spain in the group stages?

The 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

Goals:
None

Projected lineups:

Japan (4-3-1-2, right to left): 1. Gonda (GK) — 2. Yamane,  22. Yoshida, 16. Tomiyasu, 5. Nagamoto — 13. Morita, 6. Endo, 10. Kamada  — 11. Kubo, 21. Ueda, 9. Mitoma

Canada (3-4-1-2, right to left): 18.Borjan (GK) —  2. Johnston, 5. Vitoria, 4. Miller — 22. Lareya, 14. Kaye, 7. Eustaquio, 3. Adekugbe  — 10. Hoilett, 20. David, 19. Davies

MORE: Watch World Cup matches live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)

Japan vs. Canada live updates, highlights from World Cup warmup match

75mins from kickoff: If you’re joining us from British Colombia or anywhere on the western side of North America, kudos to you, and GOOD MORNING!  The good news is you won’t have to get up quite this 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 v Morocco, December 1, KO: 10:00 ET/07:00 PT 

It’s #CANMNT Matchday! 🍁

Canada take on Japan in their final friendly before the @FIFAWorldCup. Get used to these early start times Canada! ⏰

⏰: 8:40AM ET / 5:40AM PT
🆚: 🇯🇵 Japan
🏟️: Al Maktoum Stadium 🇦🇪
📺: @onesoccer
#️⃣: #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/mNfQE7fZHC

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 17, 2022

90mins from kickoff: What of Canada’s opponents today? Japan, ranked 24th in the world, certainly find themselves in one of, if not THE, toughest groups in Qatar, alongside two European powerhouses in Spain and Germany. The Samurai Blue open their campaign against the Germans next Wednesday, November 23, before facing Costa Rica four days later. Their final Group E match is against 2010 champions Spain on December 1. 

If that looks a tough assignment, it is worth remembering Japan have reached the last 16 – but no further – in three of the last five World Cups, including 2018. Four years ago they pipped Senegal to second place behind Colombia in their group before bowing out 3-2 to Belgium, having led 2-0. 

MORE: Get the lowdown on Japan’s 26-man World Cup squad

2hrs 15mins from kickoff: A reminder that this friendly is taking place at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, a short hop across the Persian Gulf from the two sides’ bases in Qatar. It looks like Canada, 200-1 outsiders for the World Cup, have already been winning hearts and minds in the host country.  

🤝 Uniting through the common language of football ⚽️

Participating in their first #FIFAWorldCup since 1986, @CanadaSoccerEN are already having a positive impact off the pitch.

Last night, players from the squad spent time with volunteers to show their appreciation:

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) November 15, 2022

3hrs from kickoff: Hello, and welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of today’s World Cup warmup match between Japan and Canada. It’s the final chance for both managers to see their squads in action before the real fun begins. They’ll also be hoping all players come through unscathed and avoid any late injuries…

Training Uncut 🎬

Go Behind the Scenes of #CANMNT‘s first FIFA World Cup Training session! 💪#WeCAN

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 16, 2022

Japan vs. Canada lineups, team news

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has a settled squad and is likely to keep faith with the bulk of the players who helped the Samurai Blue book their place in Qatar. Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo add star quality to the squad, and will be tasked with providing the creativity to unlock Canada, and then tough Group E opposition in Qatar.

Japan (4-3-1-2, right to left): 1. Gonda (GK) — 2. Yamane,  22. Yoshida, 16. Tomiyasu, 5. Nagamoto — 13. Morita, 6. Endo, 10. Kamada  — 11. Kubo, 21. Ueda, 9. Mitoma

Canada’s last chance to make any tweaks before the big kickoff in Qatar should not see too many surprises sprung by coach John Herdman, with all eyes likely to be on talisman Alphonso Davies to see whether he is fit enough to take his place in the side, after his recent hamstring injury worries. 

Canada (3-4-1-2, right to left): 18.Borjan (GK) —  2. Johnston, 5. Vitoria, 4. Miller — 22. Lareya, 14. Kaye, 7. Eustaquio, 3. Adekugbe  — 10. Hoilett, 20. David, 19. Davies

Japan vs. Canada live stream, TV channel