Overview

• Japan thrashed Indonesia 6-0 in Osaka, with Daichi Kamada scoring twice and five other players finding the net to finish atop Group C.
• South Korea secured first place in Group B by beating Kuwait 4-0 in Seoul, featuring goals from Jeon Jin-woo, Lee Kang-in, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Lee Jae-sung.
• Both coaches handed debuts to inexperienced talent—Japan introduced Junnosuke Suzuki and Shunsuke Mito while South Korea fielded seven players with fewer than ten caps.
• Japan concluded qualifying with 30 goals in ten matches despite a 1-0 loss to Australia ending their unbeaten run, and South Korea wrapped up with six wins and four draws for 22 points.
• With direct qualification secured, both squads will use upcoming friendlies against non-Asian opponents to integrate youth and sharpen tactics ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.