Proud Ijiri to push Japan even harder

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Proud Ijiri to push Japan even harder

Pathum Thani: Head coach Akira Ijiri thanked his players for producing maximum effort in Japan’s AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ title win on Saturday.

The Young Nadeshiko withstood an all-out display from DPR Korea to emerge 1-0 winners and take home the trophy for a record-extending seventh time, and Ijiri was elated his side had soaked up everything the defending champions had thrown their way.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_womens_asian_cup.html/video/u20wac-|-final-japan-1-0-dpr-korea

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3168877

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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. 

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.

Han vows sharper DPR Korea at global challenge

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Han vows sharper DPR Korea at global challenge

Pathum Thani: DPR Korea head coach Han Chol Hak cut a disappointed figure after seeing his side edged 1-0 by Japan in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ final on Saturday.

Despite enjoying 61 percent of possession, DPR Korea were unable to break down Japan’s resolute defence despite 17 shots - five of which were on target - as they fell short in their bid to retain the title.