#U20WAC: Facts & Figures

Mon, 20 Apr, 2026

#U20WAC: Facts & Figures

Pathum Thani: The AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday with Japan crowned champions after edging DPR Korea 1-0 in a gripping final at Thammasat Stadium.

As the dust settles on another memorable edition, the-AFC.com looks back at the facts and figures that defined the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™.

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.

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.

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.