Shaikh Salman lauds expanded #U20WAC format as Japan reclaim crown

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Shaikh Salman lauds expanded #U20WAC format as Japan reclaim crown

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his warmest congratulations to Japan for being crowned champions of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ as the East Asians defeated DPR Korea 1-0 to clinch their seventh title after a thrilling Final at the Thammasat Stadium in Thailand on Saturday.

It was a familiar battle for the title: for the fifth time in a row, the two powerhouses faced off in the all-important decider. With nine Final appearances each, their recurring rivalry once again highlighted their undisputed dominance in Asian youth women’s football.

Japan’s Fukushima receives Most Valuable Player honour

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Japan’s Fukushima receives Most Valuable Player honour

Pathum Thani: Noa Fukushima won the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Most Valuable Player award as the Japan midfielder finished the tournament with five goals and three assists.

The JFA Academy Fukushima midfielder was an attacking threat throughout the campaign, playing a pivotal role in the now seven-time champions’ run to the final with goals across the group stage and knockout rounds.

DPR Korea’s Ok I emerges Top Scorer

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

DPR Korea’s Ok I emerges Top Scorer

Pathum Thani: Pak Ok I won the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Top Scorer award after the DPR Korea midfielder closed the continental showpiece with seven goals on Saturday.

Ok I found the back of the net in all three group stage ties and in the quarter-finals before DPR Korea’s 1-0 defeat to Japan in the final. 

DPR Korea's Ju Gyong named Best Goalkeeper

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

DPR Korea's Ju Gyong named Best Goalkeeper

Pathum Thani: Pak Ju Gyong’s outstanding performances between the posts earned the DPR Korea custodian Best Goalkeeper honours at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™.

This is the second time the 19-year-old has bagged a continental award, claiming her first at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024.

Japan edge DPR Korea to lift title

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Japan edge DPR Korea to lift title

Pathum Thani: Japan upstaged a dominant DPR Korea 1-0 to emerge champions of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ at the Thammasat Stadium on Saturday.

Momoka Sano struck the winner as Akira Ijiri’s side clinched a record-extending seventh title, while defending champions DPR Korea were left to wonder how they lost a match they had largely controlled.