Jeddah: Defending champions Japan will be determined to maintain their grip on the trophy when they compete in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.
The only team to have lifted the coveted trophy twice, Go Oiwa’s side will start as one of the favourites once again.
Factfile
Previous appearances: 6
Best finish: Champions (2016, 2024)
2024 record: Champions
How they qualified: Group B winners
Group B fixtures: v Syria (Jan 7), v UAE (Jan 10), v Qatar (Jan 13)
Fun fact: Japan won both their titles when Qatar hosted the regional showpiece.
EAST ASIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
NEWS / RELEASE
Language is changed ENGLISH
10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U23 Asian Cup] Know your team: Japan
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