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FIFA U-17 World Cup
Head coach Shingi Ono will be optimistic the present batch of players can better Japan’s previous best, with the title having eluded the East Asian side in all their previous participations.
Factfile
Previous participations: 11
Best finish: Quarter-finals (1993, 2011, 2025)
How they qualified: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ winners
Coach: Shingi Ono
Group L fixtures - Nov 21 v Colombia; Nov 24 v Serbia; Nov 27 v Honduras
Fun Fact: Japan were defeated 1-0 by eventual runners-up Austria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 edition.
Previous participations: 11
Best finish: Quarter-finals (1993, 2011, 2025)
How they qualified: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ winners
Coach: Shingi Ono
Group L fixtures - Nov 21 v Colombia; Nov 24 v Serbia; Nov 27 v Honduras
Fun Fact: Japan were defeated 1-0 by eventual runners-up Austria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 edition.
Japan sharpened their preparations for Qatar 2026 with a busy September programme, defeating Myanmar 4-2 and New Zealand 4-0 at the International Youth Soccer in Niigata tournament.
They then travelled to France for the Limoges International Tournament, recording wins over Ukraine (2-1) and the hosts (3-1), either side of 2-1 defeats to Austria.
A key player will Maki Kitahara, who claimed both the MVP and top scorer awards at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.
They then travelled to France for the Limoges International Tournament, recording wins over Ukraine (2-1) and the hosts (3-1), either side of 2-1 defeats to Austria.
A key player will Maki Kitahara, who claimed both the MVP and top scorer awards at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.
The skilful attacking midfielder combines direct dribbling with precise shooting off either foot.
Currently on loan at Fujieda MYFC from FC Tokyo, he has already gained valuable senior football experience.
Japan will begin their Group L campaign against Colombia on November 21 before facing Serbia three days later. They conclude the group stage against Honduras on November 27 and despite all three ties looking tricky, Ono’s side should advance to the Round of 32.
Currently on loan at Fujieda MYFC from FC Tokyo, he has already gained valuable senior football experience.
Japan will begin their Group L campaign against Colombia on November 21 before facing Serbia three days later. They conclude the group stage against Honduras on November 27 and despite all three ties looking tricky, Ono’s side should advance to the Round of 32.
