Japan qualified as the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Qatar 2024 champions while Uzbekistan and Iraq advanced as the runners-up and third-placed side respectively.

Japan impressed in the group stage, winning all three matches to top Group D ahead of Paraguay, Mali and Israel.

Iraq kicked off their Group B campaign with a 2-1 win over Ukraine but defeats to Argentina (3-1) and Morocco (3-0) meant a premature end to their journey with the West Asian side finishing bottom of the standings.

Debutants Uzbekistan found the challenge equally tough, kicking off their challenge with defeats to Spain (2-1) and Egypt (1-0). They concluded their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Dominican Republic to finish bottom of Group C.

Japan faced Spain in the quarter-finals with the European side taking the lead in the 11th minute through Fermin Lopez.

Midfielder Lopez ended Japan's hopes of a comeback with his second in the 73rd minute with Abel Ruiz adding the third in the 86th minute as Spain went on to win the gold medal with a 5-3 triumph over France in the final.

Australia and Japan booked their spots after advancing from the Asian Playoffs.

Australia were drawn in Group B alongside the United States, Germany and Zambia while Japan faced Spain, Brazil and Nigeria in Group C.

Australia got off to a losing start, falling 3-0 to Germany but showed tremendous grit to keep their hopes alive with a 6-5 win against Zambia.

A 2-1 defeat to the United States, however, ended their campaign in the group stage.

Japan also opened their Group C campaign with a defeat, going down 2-1 to reigning world champions Spain.

The Nadeshiko, however, bounced back to beat Brazil (2-1) and Nigeria (3-1) to advance to the quarter-finals.

Japan's journey ended at the last eight stage but only after a valiant effort against the United States, who sealed a 1-0 win through Trinity Rodman's goal in extra time.

The Americans went on to win the bronze while Germany defeated Spain 1-0 to take the gold medal.