Canada vs. Japan: What you need to know

The post-John Herdman era officially begins for the Canadian men's team this week when it takes on Japan in a marquee international friendly.

The match will be Mauro Biello's first in charge as caretaker boss of Canada since Herdman stepped down in the summer to take over as head coach of Toronto FC. Biello had served as an assistant under Herdman with the men's team since 2018.

Canada has a record of four wins, two losses and two draws in 2023. Its last game was a penalty shootout loss to the United States on July 9 in Cincinnati in the quarter-finals of the Concacaf Gold Cup. Canada did not have any games during the September international window. 

Here’s what you need to know about Friday's match (6:30 a.m. ET/OneSoccer) between Canada and Japan at Niigata's Denka Big Swan Stadium.