Team Qatar Set Sights on Victory Against Japan in Crucial Group Finale

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January 12, 2026
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12-January-2026

Team Qatar Set Sights on Victory Against Japan in Crucial Group Finale

JEDDAH, KSA - Japan will be aiming to complete a perfect group stage when they face Qatar in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Group B tie on Tuesday.

Victories against Syria and United Arab Emirates mean Japan confirmed their place in the quarter-finals with a match to spare but head coach Go Oiwa confident his side can maintain their standards despite qualification already being secured.

“Every detail feeds into our decision-making, and we will assess everything carefully as we prepare for the third match,” said Oiwa.

“There were positives and areas to improve from the game against the United Arab Emirates, and we will clearly share those with the players. Our full focus now is on Qatar.

“Qatar have players with distinct qualities, and they play with great speed and intensity. We will analyse them closely and approach the third match with a clear plan.”

Qatar, meanwhile, were eliminated after suffering two consecutive defeats but head coach Ilidio Vale insisted his side remain determined to end their campaign on a positive note.

“We approach every match with the same intention, and it will be no different against Japan,” said Vale. “Even though we are no longer in the running for qualification, our preparation remains the same and we will try to win.”

This will be the third meeting between Japan and Qatar at the AFC U23 Asian Cup with the East Asian sidewinning one by a 4-2 margin at the quarter-final stage in 2024 while drawing the other 1-1 margin in the group stage in 2020.

Japan have won each of their last five games played at the AFC U23 Asian Cup (stretching back to 2024) - this is the longest active winning streak by any team in this competition.