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#AFCU17 - Preview - S-final: Japan v Uzbekistan

Mon, 18 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Preview - S-final: Japan v Uzbekistan

Jeddah:  It will be a clash between familiar foes when Japan take on Uzbekistan in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™ semi-finals at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Tuesday.

Both sides are in excellent form - setting up a compelling contest for a place in the final.

#AFCU17 - Motosuna, Khakimov equally confident of advancing

Mon, 18 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Motosuna, Khakimov equally confident of advancing

Jeddah: Japan’s Anthony Motosuna and Mukhammad Khakimov of Uzbekistan will be key figures when their sides meet in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals  on Tuesday.

Having shown their quality in the run-up to the penultimate stage, both players are aiming to reach the final under different motivations and ambitions.

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Mon, 18 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Kuala Lumpur: Following the thrilling conclusion of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has extended his warmest congratulations to DPR Korea for securing an unprecedented fifth continental crown after defeating rivals Japan 5-1 at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium.

Prior to Sunday’s Final, both teams stood deadlocked as the joint-most decorated nations with each holding four titles. With this monumental victory, DPR Korea retained the coveted silverware to stand tall as the most celebrated team in the competition's history.

#U17WAC - Japan’s Shirai earmarks areas for improvement

Mon, 18 May, 2026

#U17WAC - Japan’s Shirai earmarks areas for improvement

Suzhou: Sadayoshi Shirai cut a forlorn figure after Japan were defeated 5-1 by DPR Korea in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final on Sunday.

The head coach was disappointed that his side couldn’t cope with the waves of pressure inflicted on them and even though Yumi Hayashi pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, the opportunity to make a comeback was quickly snuffed out.

East Asia Wrap: Chengdu extend lead; Vissel stay ahead; Seoul pull clear

Mon, 18 May, 2026

East Asia Wrap: Chengdu extend lead; Vissel stay ahead; Seoul pull clear

Tokyo: Chengdu Rongcheng continued to set the pace in China PR, while defending champions Shanghai Port were held again.
 

In Japan, Kashima Antlers and Vissel Kobe remained in control of their respective groups after a busy double matchweek, while FC Seoul strengthened their lead in Korea Republic.
 
Join the-AFC.com in our look at the past week's domestic action across East Asia.

#U17WAC - DPR Korea power to record fifth title

Sun, 17 May, 2026

#U17WAC - DPR Korea power to record fifth title

Suzhou: DPR Korea were at their customary best as they defeated Japan 5-1 to lift the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ trophy at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium on Sunday.

Yu Jong Hyang scored four times to take her tournament tally to 15 goals, with Kim Won Sim adding the other to render Yumi Hayashi’s effort immaterial as DPR Korea moved past Japan to land a record-setting fifth title.

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his warmest congratulations to Gamba Osaka following their 1-0 victory over Al Nassr Club in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Final at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on Saturday.

Defying an intense atmospheric challenge away from home, the landmark victory marks Gamba’s first major continental trophy since their famous 2008 AFC Champions League™ campaign. With this triumph, the Japanese side wrote an unprecedented chapter by becoming the first club in the East region to capture both the top-tier and second-tier titles in AFC club football.

Wissing: Gamba’s determination, focus secured title

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Wissing: Gamba’s determination, focus secured title

Riyadh: Jens Wissing was unreserved in his praise of his players after Gamba Osaka’s stunning  AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ triumph on Saturday.

The Japanese side overcame tremendous pressure to edge Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club 1-0 in the final at the King Saud University Stadium, with the victory built on defensive grit and complete focus.

Hummet strikes as Gamba stun Al Nassr to lift trophy

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Hummet strikes as Gamba stun Al Nassr to lift trophy

Riyadh: Deniz Hummet’s strike secured Gamba Osaka a stunning 1-0 win over Al Nassr Club in the final of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ at the King Saud University Stadium on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr just could not find a way past Gamba’s defence as the Japanese side tasted continental glory for the first time since lifting the AFC Champions League™ trophy in 2008.

Defeat meant heartbreak for Al Nassr, who were determined to be the first side from Saudi Arabia to win the AFC Champions League Two.

#U17WAC - Preview - Final: DPR Korea v Japan

Sun, 17 May, 2026

#U17WAC - Preview - Final: DPR Korea v Japan

Suzhou: Expect fireworks when DPR Korea meet Japan in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium on Sunday.

In a rivalry that has defined the competition, this will be the seventh final meeting between the two - with each having won the title four times.

Ito confident success awaits Japan

Sat, 16 May, 2026

Ito confident success awaits Japan

Suzhou: Preparation is key for Anri Ito as she builds towards the biggest game of her budding career when Japan take on DPR Korea in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final on Sunday.

The defender believes no stone has been left unturned as Japan bid to avenge the heartbreak of defeat in the 2024 final and claim a record-setting fifth title.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_womens_asian_cup.html/video/u17wac-preview-final