Japan and Mexico drew 0-0 on Saturday in a friendly at Oakland Coliseum as both countries prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

A lively Japanese side could not break through against a Mexico team who lost captain Edson Alvarez when he hobbled out with an injury in the first half and had Cesar Montes sent off in second-half injury time.

Japan threatened in the opening minutes, but Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo's shot from the center of the box was wide and moments later Ayase Ueda's attempt from the left side of the area was blocked.

The best chance of the first half came in the 11th minute, when Kubo unleashed a long-range blast toward the heart of the Mexico goal that was gathered in by goalkeeper Angel Malagon.

After Japan's Takumi Minamino volleyed over the crossbar from inside the

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