According to Soccer-king, Japanese international Ayase Ueda stated in an interview that New Zealand is an opponent Japan needs to be wary of. Their direct, physical style of play poses a challenge that contrasts with Japan's approach.

The Japanese national team held a pre-match training session at the National Stadium on the 4th, preparing for the Kirin Challenge Cup 2026 final against New Zealand on the 5th.

Including the two Kirin Challenge Cup 2026 matches, Japan had previously faced South American teams in three matches, securing three consecutive wins (including one penalty shootout victory). Ueda, who came off the bench in all three matches and scored three goals, said after training: "Although it's just an analytical judgment, their forwards have Premier League players. It's been like this since the Tokyo Olympics, and we expect them to adopt a simple, direct tactic of finding their forwards and attacking with impact. For us, it's a style that will pose a challenge. We will use the analytical information and communicate on the field. If we can deliver results as a team, it will also boost our confidence and lay the foundation for the next match." He drew on his experience playing against New Zealand in the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals to look ahead to this final.

Regarding the stylistic challenge, Ueda explained: "It was similar in the last Asian Cup; the opposing forwards were tall, their play was simple and direct, and there were more physical duels and one-on-one battles. It's a challenge." He further analyzed: "We have many players who can run with high intensity and play as a collective. For example, against strong teams like the Netherlands, we also have good technical ability and can compete as an organized unit. But against opponents who play simply and physically, unexpected situations can easily arise. So, rather than saying we're bad at it, it's a type of challenge we'll have to face sooner or later." He also stated that this match "could be a good simulation" to help prepare for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which kicks off in January next year.

When asked about areas that have evolved through experimentation since the 2026 World Cup, Ueda identified defense. He mentioned that the team is trying to "proactively win the ball from the start. Considering the future of the Japanese team, this can also increase our own possession rate." This proactive style of play, "although just beginning, has difficulties in sustaining for 90 minutes, but also has positive aspects," which he felt the effects of in the three matches. "Through experimentation, challenges arise. Considering our growth, this is a very good thing." He stated that by fully trying new things, they can discover new dimensions, and by fully addressing these issues, they can move to a new stage.

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