Overview

• The United States defeated Japan 2–0 in the U18 World Cup final in Okinawa, sealing an 11th title and leaving the hosts as runners-up.
• Japan reached the championship game at 8–0, highlighted by an extra‑innings walk‑off against Panama and a 9–1 win over Taiwan.
• Manager Masayoshi Ogura lauded his players' resilience and acknowledged a pitching change misstep during the tiebreak victory over Panama.
• Fortius secured Japan’s place at the Olympic final‑qualifying event by defeating SC Karuizawa Club in the decisive series after Loco Solare fell 2–7 in a playoff.
• The World Athletics Championships opened at Tokyo’s National Stadium with strong crowds as Japan’s men’s 100m entrants failed to advance from the heats, while Hayato Katsuki earned bronze in the 35km race walk.