#AFCU17: Facts & Figures

Sun, 24 May, 2026

#AFCU17: Facts & Figures

Jeddah: The AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ came to a thrilling conclusion on Friday with Japan crowned champions after edging China PR 3-2 in a pulsating final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends.

As the dust settles on another memorable edition, the-AFC.com looks at the facts and figures that defined the tournament.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup.html/video/u17ac-final-china-pr-2-3-japan

Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Jeddah: Midfielder Maki Kitahara reflected with a mixture of pride and self-criticism after helping Japan clinch the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR on Friday.

Kitahara, who finished the tournament with Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards, played a decisive role in the final by scoring Japan’s third goal in a dominant first-half display that ultimately proved enough despite a nervy finish.

Japan’s Ono eyes improvements after dramatic title win

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan’s Ono eyes improvements after dramatic title win

Jeddah: Japan head coach Shingi Ono admitted there is still significant room for improvement despite his side edging China PR 3-2 in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™ final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Friday.

Japan looked in complete control after racing to a three-goal lead in the first half, but were forced to endure a nervy finish as China PR produced a spirited second-half response to set up a tense closing stage.

Despite the pressure, Japan held firm to secure the title, with Ono reflecting on both the positives of victory and the lessons learned.

Ukishima proud of China PR despite heartbreak

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Ukishima proud of China PR despite heartbreak

Jeddah: China PR head coach Bin Ukishima had nothing but praise for his charges despite their 3-2 defeat to Japan in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™ final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Friday.

The two-time champions were left chasing the game after conceding three first-half goals, with Japan taking control through a dominant opening period. 

However, China PR responded with determination after the restart, striking twice to ignite hopes of a remarkable comeback, only to fall short at the very end.

Ri hails remarkable Naegohyang

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Ri hails remarkable Naegohyang

Suwon: Ri Yu Il was immensely proud of his Naegohyang Women’s FC side after they upstaged Tokyo Verdy Beleza to lift the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ trophy on Saturday.

Kim Kyong Yong’s 44th minute strike was the difference between the two teams in a contest which the DPR Korea club -formed only in 2012 - produced undeniably their best performance of the competition.

Off-key Tokyo Verdy disappoint Kusunose

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Off-key Tokyo Verdy disappoint Kusunose

Suwon: There was no hiding Naoki Kusunose’s disappointment after his Tokyo Verdy Beleza side ended up as bridesmaids in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ on Saturday.

After a campaign which had seen the Japanese side shine, the head coach was left dejected with their inability to cope with the strength of Naegohyang Women’s FC as they fell to a 1-0 defeat in the final at Suwon Sports Complex.