Japan U-20 Clinches Fastest World Cup Group-Stage Advance by Defeating Chile
The U-20 Japan national team stormed into the knockout round by stunning the host nation, Chile, with a 2-0 victory in the World Cup group stage. Played in Santiago, the result left Japan as the first team in the tournament to advance to the knockout stage, regardless of how the final group games unfold for other sides.
Japan came into the match with a refreshed starting XI, switching two players from the opener. In a 4-2-3-1 setup, the young Blue Samurai pressed high and looked to control possession from the opening whistle as the Chilean crowd filled the stadium with fervent support exceeding 40,000 fans.
The first-half pattern saw Japan create moments in and around the Chile penalty area, though clear-cut chances proved elusive. A set-piece in the 7th minute had Rito Ichihara delivering a left-footed inswinger from a corner, but the ball drifted wide. Chile responded with pressure of their own, keeping Japan honest with several long-range attempts that tested the visitors’ defense but rarely troubled the goalkeeper.
In the 31st minute, a volatile moment loomed as Japan earned a penalty following a charging sequence from pressure from the attackers. After a VAR review under the competition’s FVS (Football Video Support) protocol, the referee confirmed the foul in the box and pointed to the spot. The opening taker, however, was not the team captain; the ball was laid off to the other forward, and Chile’s goalkeeper Sebastián Mérida stretched in the right direction to palm away the ensuing shot, keeping the scoreline level as the first half ended.
Several substitutions at halftime altered Japan’s tempo. The changes brought Kenta Hiraga off and Takeru Ishii on as a playmaking presence behind the strikers, while the away side adjusted to Chile’s pressing. The second half began with both sides trading chances, but a clear breakthrough remained elusive until the 50s minute mark when Yamato Saito forced a foul in the box again, signaling another penalty call that was awarded after a brief review. This time, the ball was handed to Ichihara, who stepped up to convert, sending Chileans into a chorus of protests as the goalkeeper guessed correctly before being beaten to his right by the right-footed strike.
With the lead secured, Japan stretched the play through quick transitions and decisive pressing. Chile pressed to equalize but found themselves stifled by a disciplined defense and timely interceptions from the Japanese midfield. In the 68th minute, a critical change widened the advantage when the visitors capitalized on a long ball that found the run of Yokoyama, who finished at the near post to make it 2-0. The goal sparked a surge in momentum for Japan, though they remained vigilant at the back as Chile pressed for a late reply.
Head coach Hideki Saito and the staff were pleased with the tactical discipline shown by the squad, especially after the halftime adjustments. The team’s depth was on display as fresh legs contributed to maintaining the tempo through the final whistle. The match closed with a clean sheet for Japan, a testament to the defensive organization and the late-game execution in the attacking third.
Why This Result Matters for Japan U-20
This win secures Japan’s path to the knockout stage as the best-case scenario for their group and confirms their progress to the round of 16 earlier than many anticipated. With top-two finishes and the best four third-placed teams advancing, Japan’s victory in Chile effectively guarantees passage to the knockout rounds for the second time since the 2019 edition. The result is a significant milestone for the program, signaling a strong and cohesive squad capable of performing under pressure on foreign soil.
Reporter: Yusuke Ishikawa
Stay tuned for further coverage as Japan U-20 eye continued success in the tournament and aim to carry this momentum into the knockout stage.
