The KIRIN CUP SOCCER returns for the first time in four years, with Ecuador (25th in the FIFA World Ranking as of 20 July 2026), Panama (44th) and New Zealand (86th) all coming to Japan after competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

On Thursday 1 October, Panama will take on New Zealand at International Stadium Yokohama, followed by SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team, 17th) against Ecuador. On Monday 5 October, Japan National Stadium will host two matches: the two losing teams from the opening day will meet first, followed by the two winners in the final.

Ecuador – Second in the South American Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Ecuador finished second behind Argentina in the South American qualifiers to secure their second consecutive and fifth overall World Cup appearance. Like SAMURAI BLUE, they progressed to the Round of 32.

Their campaign began with a 1-0 defeat to Cote d'Ivoire and a goalless draw with Curacao, leaving them in danger of an early exit. However, they came from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 in their final group match and advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Their bid to reach the last 16 then ended with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico.

Ecuador's strength lies in their disciplined and physical defence, which conceded just five goals in 18 matches during the South American qualifiers. They have also proved difficult opponents for SAMURAI BLUE under MORIYASU Hajime, with the two meetings during his tenure ending 1-1 and 0-0. The latter came in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2022 in Germany, when the match ended goalless after Ecuador missed a penalty. Moriyasu praised Ecuador at the time for their "great intensity, technique and skills."

A number of players in their early twenties featured for Ecuador at this year's World Cup, while the country also has clubs with a strong track record of developing young talent. With a new generation gaining experience at the highest level, Ecuador have plenty of room to develop further.

Panama – Making Their Mark in Concacaf

Panama made their World Cup debut at the 2018 tournament in Russia and returned this year for their second appearance after missing the previous edition. Both campaigns ended with three defeats in the group stage, and they were the only one of the 48 teams at this year's tournament not to score a goal.

There were, however, clear signs of progress. Having conceded 11 goals in 2018, Panama allowed just four this time around. Eight years after losing 6-1 to England, they produced a much closer contest against the same opponents, losing 2-0. They also suffered narrow 1-0 defeats to Ghana and Croatia, despite outshooting their opponents in both matches.

Panama have also made significant strides in the Concacaf region in recent years. They finished runners-up at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, reached the quarter-finals of the CONMEBOL Copa America in 2024 and were runners-up in the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League.

SAMURAI BLUE have won both previous meetings between the two sides. Their most recent encounter was an international friendly in Austria in November 2020, when MINAMINO Takumi's penalty gave Japan a 1-0 victory. Looking back on that match, YOSHIDA Maya, who featured for Japan, praised Panama's organisation and defensive positioning.

New Zealand – A Dominant Force in Oceania

New Zealand returned to the World Cup this year for the first time since South Africa 2010, making their third appearance overall. With the tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams and Oceania allocated one direct qualification place, New Zealand booked their ticket in emphatic fashion, winning all five of their qualifying matches while scoring 29 goals and conceding just once.

At the World Cup, they drew 2-2 with Iran before losing 3-1 to Egypt and 5-1 to Belgium, meaning their wait for a first World Cup victory continues.

Despite having yet to win in nine World Cup matches, New Zealand's performance at the 2010 tournament remains particularly memorable. They drew all three of their group matches against Slovakia, defending champions Italy and Paraguay. Although they ultimately finished third in the group, they left South Africa unbeaten.

Their most recent meeting with SAMURAI BLUE came in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2017 at Toyota Stadium. New Zealand pushed Japan hard with their physical approach and strength in the duels, drawing level before eventually falling to a late goal in a 2-1 defeat.

Record against Japan
(○: Win, △: Draw, ●: Loss)

Ecuador

2 draws, 2 losses (1 goal, 5 against)

Opponent Data

◇FIFA Ranking (as of 20 July 2026): 25th
◇Record against Japan: 2 draws, 2 losses (1 goal, 5 against)

Panama

2 losses (0 goals, 4 against)

Opponent Data

◇FIFA Ranking (as of 20 July 2026): 44th
◇Record against Japan: 2 losses (0 goals, 4 against)

New Zealand

2 wins, 3 losses (7 goals, 10 against)

Opponent Data

◇FIFA Ranking (as of 20 July 2026): 86th
◇Record against Japan: 2 wins, 3 losses (7 goals, 10 against)

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