Chinese football faces its biggest match in more than two decades on Saturday when it plays Japan in the final of the Under-23 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Despite never progressing past the group stages of the tournament, China is just 90 minutes away from its first continental title since 2004, when the under-17 team were crowned champions.
That came two years after the senior team made its first and so far only World Cup appearance.
With such successes happening a generation ago, there is enormous attention among 23-year-olds. On their way to the final, China has beaten Australia and Uzbekistan and impressed defensively by not conceding a goal in five games.
In the first four games, the team scored only once. However, after eliminating Uzbekistan on penalties in the quarter-final, China defeated Vietnam 3-0 in the semi-final.
«It is important to enjoy this victory, not only for the players, but also for the staff,» said Spanish coach Antonio Puche. “Moments like these are important for football in China as we continue to work to improve the game.”
Others have taken notice of the new China.
Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik praised China after his team’s defeat.
“This is my first time coaching a team against China, and their performance was really excellent, especially their defense, which was very impressive,” Kim said. «I believe they will perform even better, and Chinese football is indeed getting better.»
Puche was thrown into the air by his players after the semi-final victory. «I enjoyed this moment, I enjoyed the game. I am so happy, not only for myself or for the coaching staff, but for Chinese football as a whole.»
Defending champion Japan will present the toughest test yet.
“You know the Japanese team, I know the Japanese team, we all know the Japanese team,” Puche said. «They are a strong team. We will compete against them. We will fight.»
Japan conceded just one goal in five games and scored twelve. A deserved 1-0 win over South Korea in the semi-finals was another impressive performance as the country chases back-to-back titles and a third overall trophy.
“There are a lot of great things we can take from the semi-finals to the finals,” said Japanese midfielder Ryunosuke Sato.
«We are going to win with all 23 players, starters and substitutes. The substitutes also have that in mind. We were able to defend and persevere for all ninety minutes against Korea, and that is why we won.»
“Now we have to concentrate on the final.”
Published on January 23, 2026
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