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.

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.

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.

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™.

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.