New Zealand’s U-20 World Cup campaign ends after going down to Japan 3-0, leaving the Young All Whites eliminated at the group stage.
The Oceania champions went into their final group game knowing a win would take them into the Round of 16, while Japan had already secured qualification and rotated heavily from their previous match.
Under wet and scrappy conditions, both teams searched for control in midfield but it was Japan who pressured from the start. The Group leaders struck first through Kosei Ogura whose epic long-range effort curled into the top corner to break New Zealand’s resistance.
The Young All Whites responded with determination, creating half chances through Nathan Walker and Lucas Kelly-Yield but they were denied by sharp defensive efforts from their opponents.
Henry Gray kept New Zealand in the contest with strong stops, including a crucial save from an Ichihara header before the break. In the second half, New Zealand grew into the game and pushed forward with intent but Japan’s compact defense remained firm.
Japan’s pressure paid off again when a drilled cross ricocheted off Jayden Smith for an unfortunate own goal, doubling the lead. New Zealand continued to chase, with Stipe Ukich and Finn McKenley going close, but composure in the final third was missing.
Japan finished the job late on as Ishi swept home from close range to seal a 3-0 victory.
Japan top the group unbeaten and advance to the Round of 16, while the Oceania champions see their FIFA U-20 World Cup 2026™ campaign end at the group stage, leaving plenty to be proud of.
Photo credit: FIFA Digital Assets Hub
HT: 0-1
New Zealand: 0
Japan: 3 (Kosei OGURA 23’, Jaden SMITH OG 65’, Hisatsugu ISHI 83’)