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FIFA U-20 World Cup
The Young Samurai Blue reached the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 earlier this year, falling 2-0 to eventual champions Australia.
The defeat denied them a chance at a record-equalling seventh continental crown but qualification for the global stage was secured yet again for the global youth showpiece.
The defeat denied them a chance at a record-equalling seventh continental crown but qualification for the global stage was secured yet again for the global youth showpiece.
Factfile
Previous Appearances: 11
Best Finish: Runners-up (1999)
2023 Record: Group Stage
How They Got There: Semi-finalists, AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025
Head Coach: Yuzo Funakoshi (JPN)
Fun Fact: Japan will be making their 12th appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup
Group A Fixtures: v Egypt (September 28); v Chile (October 1); v New Zealand (October 4)
Previous Appearances: 11
Best Finish: Runners-up (1999)
2023 Record: Group Stage
How They Got There: Semi-finalists, AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025
Head Coach: Yuzo Funakoshi (JPN)
Fun Fact: Japan will be making their 12th appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup
Group A Fixtures: v Egypt (September 28); v Chile (October 1); v New Zealand (October 4)
Head coach Yuzo Funakoshi has kept faith with the core group that impressed in Shenzhen, blending players who shone on the continental stage with those already gaining senior experience at home and abroad.
Rion Ichihara and Kazunari Kita were the pass masters at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ and the duo will surely be at the heart of the Japanese defence in Chile.
Funakoshi will rely on Riku Yamane and Isa Sakamoto - among others - to spearhead Japan’s attack while Kawasaki Frontale’s Yuto Ozeki remains a valuable arsenal in attack.
Rion Ichihara and Kazunari Kita were the pass masters at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ and the duo will surely be at the heart of the Japanese defence in Chile.
Funakoshi will rely on Riku Yamane and Isa Sakamoto - among others - to spearhead Japan’s attack while Kawasaki Frontale’s Yuto Ozeki remains a valuable arsenal in attack.
The Young Samurai Blue open their campaign against Egypt on September 28 before a meeting with hosts Chile three days later. They conclude their group stage with what could be a decisive clash against Oceania champions New Zealand on October 4.
With a well-balanced squad rich in technical quality and creativity, Funakoshi’s side know that momentum in the early fixtures could provide the platform for a deep run in Chile.
With a well-balanced squad rich in technical quality and creativity, Funakoshi’s side know that momentum in the early fixtures could provide the platform for a deep run in Chile.
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