AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Sat, 23 May, 2026

AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has hailed Japan’s unprecedented dominance after the young Samurai Blue secured a record-extending fifth AFC U17 Asian Cup™ title.

A hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR in Friday’s final in Jeddah saw the East Asian giants add to their storied legacy of 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2023, further cementing their status as the Continent’s premier youth powerhouse.

Japan’s Kitahara takes MVP, Top Goalscorer Awards

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan’s Kitahara takes MVP, Top Goalscorer Awards

Jeddah: Maki Kitahara lifted the Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards following a standout campaign at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The midfielder scored Japan's third in the 3-2 victory over China PR in Friday’s final, taking his tally to six and underlining his status as one of the tournament’s most lethal attacking threats.

Japan’s Kosei Oshita scoops Best Goalkeeper honour

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan’s Kosei Oshita scoops Best Goalkeeper honour

Jeddah: Kosei Oshita was named the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Best Goalkeeper after playing a pivotal role in Japan’s title-winning campaign.

Oshita capped off an outstanding tournament with another composed display in the final against China PR, providing the foundation for Japan to lift the coveted title for a record-extending fifth time.

Japan survive China PR fightback to clinch title

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan survive China PR fightback to clinch title

Jeddah: Japan staved off a second-half fightback from China PR to emerge the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ champions with a 3-2 win in the final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Friday.

The trophy was lifted for a record-extending fifth time after Japan survived a scare in the second half, with China PR fighting back from 3-0 down to come within a whisker of pulling off a sensational comeback.