South Korea U-23 National Football Team Eliminated in AFC Asian Cup Semifinals with 0-1 Loss to Japan

The South Korea Under-23 (U-23) national football team, led by head coach Lee Minseong, was eliminated in the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Asian Cup after losing to archrival Japan.

South Korea conceded a goal to Japan's Koizumi Kaito in the 36th minute of the first half from a corner kick situation. Although the team showed a more aggressive offense in the second half, attempting more shots compared to the somewhat sluggish first half, they ultimately failed to score an equalizer.

The South Korea U-23 national team lost 0-1 to Japan in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup semifinal held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the 26th.

After winning the tournament in 2020, South Korea had been eliminated in the quarterfinals in both the 2022 and 2024 editions. They aimed to reach the final again after six years but fell short. Japan, having claimed the title in 2024, advanced to the final for the second consecutive tournament and now has a chance to win their third title overall.

On the 20th, at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Asian Cup semifinal match between South Korea and Japan, Bae Hyunseo is contesting the ball with an opposing player.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Japan took control of the match from the start by pressing high up the pitch. In the 11th minute of the first half, South Korea's defensive line collapsed after a long penetrating pass from the back, allowing Japanese forward Michiwaki Yutaka a decisive one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper.

In the 14th minute, Bae Hyunseo created a good chance by making a deep run into the Japanese half, and in the 24th minute, South Korea recorded their first shot on target from a free kick. Kang Sungjin delivered a cross from the free kick, which Kim Yonghak connected with a header aimed at the lower right corner of the goal, but Japanese goalkeeper Araki Rui made a diving save. However, Japan regained control after that, and Kim Yonghak's header remained South Korea's only shot in the first half.

Having lost momentum again, South Korea conceded a goal in the 36th minute of the first half. In a corner kick situation, goalkeeper Hong Seongmin did well to block the initial header from Nagano Shuto, but failed to clear the ball far enough, allowing Koizumi to seize the opportunity and score.

South Korea, who managed only one shot in the first half, increased their attacking efforts in the second half with seven shots.

In the 13th minute of the second half, Jang Seokhwan's mid-range shot from outside the box unfortunately struck the crossbar and bounced out. Just three minutes later, in the 16th minute, Kang Sungjin attempted a brilliant left-footed volley amid a scramble in the box, but it went straight to the Japanese goalkeeper.

With ten minutes remaining, head coach Lee Minseong brought on Lee Chanwook, Jeong Jihoon, and Jeong Jaesang in succession in an attempt to turn the tide, but the much-anticipated equalizer never came.