January 2026 newsResult
Verified report · International
Japan makes AFC U23 history with a 4-0 final win
Japan defeated China PR 4-0 to become the first back-to-back AFC U23 champion and lift a record third title.
06–24 Jan Asia Saudi Arabia
Japan won the AFC U23 Asian Cup final 4-0 against China PR in Saudi Arabia on 24 January. The defending champion's decisive performance delivered a second consecutive crown and a competition-record third title overall.
Ryunosuke Sato was named the tournament's most valuable player. China PR reached its first final, while Vietnam took third place after defeating Korea Republic on penalties, giving the closing weekend significance across several national development pathways.
Official sources
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