Korea Republic left it late to clinch their Round of 16 spot from Group C, with Kim Min-seo’s 76th minute strike settling a five-goal thriller against Ecuador with the 3-2 victory on Saturday.

The East Asian side collected four points to finish second behind France and will face Argentina on Wednesday.

Japan also finished second in Group D, registering one win and two draws to sit two points behind Italy.

Standing in the way of Akira Ijiri’s side in the next stage is a repeat of the AFC U20 Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ final as they prepare to take on DPR Korea with the match to be played on Friday.

DPR Korea impressed in Group E with a perfect record after Han Chol Hak’s side secured wins against Colombia, Portugal and Costa Rica.

China PR booked their berth in the Round of 16 after finishing third in Group F, five points adrift of group winners Spain.

The reward for Wang Jun’s side is a meeting against Italy on Thursday.