News
Women’s National Team

Japan and positive vibes before the Euros

The clash against the Japanese is the final test before travelling to Switzerland.
© Copyright RFEF - Reproduction of all or part of the photographic content without the express authorization of the RFEF is prohibited.
Fri, 27/06/2025 - 10:26

Spain and Japan are set to face each other on this warm late June evening with very different objectives in play. Despite being a friendly match, for Japan it means facing the World Cup winners and trying to turn around a run of two consecutive defeats, while for Spain it represents something more.


It is a high-level test against a top-level opponent, a complex and tough team that currently occupies seventh position in the FIFA rankings. The clash will undoubtedly be a great litmus test for Montse Tomé's players just two days before heading to Switzerland and just one week before their opening match against Portugal in the first match Group B at the Euros.

The Spain coach used the press conference to emphasise that they wanted "an opponent that would demand a lot of them, to compete" and assured listeners that "Japan will surely be it. They have players who play with a lot of mobility and are very focused but the Spanish National Team is very motivated".

The national team arrives at the clash after securing their qualification for the final phase of the UEFA Women's Nations League, with four consecutive victories against Portugal (2), Belgium and England, all of them solid, convincing wins, scoring 18 goals along the way.


Against them are a team that until a few months ago was in the top 5 in world and that only dropped down to seventh position after two consecutive defeats. Known as Nadeshiko Japan and coached by the Dane Nils Nielsen, they will be the last opponents on home soil for the National Team before heading to the European Championships in Switzerland, a tournament which will be held from July 2 to 27, and in which Spain will play their opening match on July 3 at 9:00 PM against Portugal.


Japan and Spain have faced each other seven times in senior Women’s Football, with a record of five Spanish victories, one draw and one defeat. The last such match between both teams was last summer at the start of the Paris Olympic Games, with a comeback 2-1 victory for Spain, with goals from Aitana and Mariona. What is clear, and as María Méndez also warned in the preview, is that it will not be an easy match.

The match is to be officiated by the Serbian Milica Milovanovic and can be followed from 9:00 PM on RTVE. And from the stands, a passionate crowd eager to bid farewell to their players, giving them an extra boost of motivation and energy.

There’s still time, hurry to get your tickets for Spain-Japan!

With no points at stake, the goal is to build on the squad’s good feelings before starting the journey towards their Euros dream.