Japan crowned champions of the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Okaz
On an exceptional football night hosted by the Bride of the Red Sea, the Japanese national team was crowned champion of the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after achieving a resounding and well-deserved victory over their Chinese counterparts by four goals to nil, in the final match held yesterday evening (Saturday) at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The lens of Okaz newspaper captured the details of this major sporting event, with photographer Osama Al-Salmi taking a series of exclusive photos that immortalized the moments of victory and the joy of the Japanese Samurai, as well as the disappointment on the faces of the Chinese Dragon players. The photos, which can be viewed in full in Okaz's special album, highlight the beauty of the four goals and the skillful plays on the pitch, in addition to the enthusiastic support of the fans in the stands.
Saudi Arabia, a global sports destination
The organization of this tournament reaffirms the prestigious position that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has attained as a leading destination for major sporting events in Asia and the world. Hosting the AFC U-23 Asian Cup is part of a series of successes for the Kingdom in organizing international tournaments, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030, which places great importance on the sports sector with the aim of enhancing quality of life and raising the Kingdom's profile on the international stage. Jeddah, with its advanced infrastructure and well-equipped stadiums, has demonstrated its complete readiness to welcome delegations and fans, reflecting the tremendous development of Saudi sports facilities.
The importance of the tournament and the future of Asian football
The AFC U-23 Championship holds paramount importance on the Asian Football Confederation's calendar, serving as the primary platform for discovering future stars who will represent their national teams in the coming years. Japan's resounding 4-0 victory in this tournament reflects not just the outcome of a single match, but also highlights the strength and continuity of Japan's football development system in producing talented and competitive generations. Conversely, China's reaching the final, despite the harsh final score, is a positive indicator of the progress of Chinese youth football.
The event's repercussions regionally and internationally
The final match garnered extensive media coverage, with Asian sports newspapers highlighting the exceptional Saudi organization and the high level of skill displayed by the Japanese national team. This victory sends a strong message from Japanese football about its readiness for upcoming international competitions, while the successful organization reinforces international confidence in Saudi Arabia's administrative and logistical capabilities, paving the way for hosting even larger events, such as the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup, in the near future.
