Italy v Uzbekistan
Venue: Aspire Zone, Pitch 8 (Doha)
Kick-off: (15:30 UTC+3)

In what will be a meeting between the champions of Asia and Europe, Uzbekistan will expect to hold their own after showing grit throughout their campaign.

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 champions produced steely resolve to defeat Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16, with head coach Islombek Ismoilov showing his tactical acumen by sending on substitute goalkeeper Nematulloh Rustamjonov just before the shootout.

Rustamjonov lived up to his coach's expectations, saving Raul Kumar's effort as Uzbekistan edged the shootout 4-3.

Their Round of 32 exploits was a continuation of the resilience the Central Asian side have shown in Doha.

What gives them a genuine chance against an impressive Italy is the fact that Uzbekistan have multiple sources for goals, with seven players having found the back of the net so far.

Italy, however, will be tough opposition with the European side advancing to the Round of 16 with a perfect record of four wins - scoring 10 goals and conceding just once.

The winning side will meet either Uganda or Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals.

DPR Korea v Japan
Venue: Aspire Zone, Pitch 4 (Doha)
Kick-off: 18:15 (UTC+3)

Expect a tight battle when DPR Korea and Japan square off, with both teams having shown great promise so far.

While Japan have displayed consistency in advancing to the Round of 16, DPR Korea's determination took them through to the knockout stage.

They advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed sides and went into their tie against Venezuela with the South American side the favourites but that didn't stop DPR Korea from producing their best.

Kim Yu Jin stole the show with his brace in the 2-1 win but it was teamwork that carried DPR Korea through and head coach Rim Chol Min has promised more of the same as his side look to emulate their women's side who lifted the FIFA U-17 Women's World Morocco 2025 a fortnight ago.

Japan, after a poor AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025 campaign which saw them eliminated in the quarter-finals, have been on a redemption mission in Doha.

Their only hiccup was a goalless draw with New Caledonia in the group stage and their ability to switch gears was shown in the Round of 32 tie against South Africa, with the East Asian side upping the tempo in the second half to cruise to a 3-0 win.

While the goals have not flowed freely, with just seven scored enroute to the Round of 16, a steely defence that has conceded just once means DPR Korea will have to be at their creative best if they are to get the better of their East Asian neighbours.

The winners will advance to a quarter-final against either Austria or England.

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