Overview
- Yuto Ozeki scored in the 12th minute, Kosei Ogura added goals in the 20th and 76th, and Ryunosuke Sato converted a 59th-minute penalty in Jeddah.
- Ryunosuke Sato was named tournament MVP as Japan finished with 16 goals scored and only one conceded across six matches.
- The 2026 edition was not an Olympic qualifying event, unlike 2024 when the top three earned spots at the Games.
- China’s wait for a first continental title since 2004 continues, with coach Antonio Vicente urging a measured response after the heavy defeat.
- The Chinese FA reports rising youth participation and coaching numbers even as financial strains have shuttered clubs like Guangzhou Evergrande and cut budgets across the domestic game.