Japan U23 vs North Korea U23 Asian Games Preview
Japan will be aiming to maintain their 100% record when they face North Korea in the quarter-finals of the football event at the 2026 Asian Games.
The Samurai Blue have breezed through everyone so far and should be too strong for their rivals.
Key Stats
- Japan U23 won all three of their group stage matches.
- Japan U23 are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Japan U23 have won the last three matches against North Korea U23.
- Both Korea U23 are winless in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
Japan on Top
Japan have three wins while North Korea have been victorious just once in the previous four meetings. The most recent meeting was at the 2023 Asian Games quarter-finals, with the Samurai Blue claiming a 2-1 triumph.
Smooth Sailing for Japan
Japan rounded off their group stage campaign with a 3-0 victory over Thailand. Yotaro Nakajima gave them the lead at the break while second-half efforts from Keita Kosugi and Hitsatsugu Ishii completed the rout.
It has been smooth sailing so far in the competition for Japan, who maintained a 100% record in the group stage and are yet to concede a goal in the competition. Among the results for Go Oiwa's team is a 7-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan in their second group fixture.
Japan’s recent showings extend well beyond the Asian Games as their overall form has been solid. The Samurai Blue are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, picking up eight wins in this run.
North Korea Scraping Through
North Korea reached the quarter-finals after claiming a 4-1 victory over Iran in their final group stage fixture. They fought back from a goal down, with Ra Myong-song netting a brace while Choe Kuk and Paek Chung-song were also on target.
That was the first win in the group for North Korea, who began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to China. They were second in the group, finishing above Iran only on goal difference.
North Korea’s erratic group stage showing is an extension of their overall recent form. Ri Kwang-chon’s team are winless in five of their last seven matches in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Japan (4-2-3-1): Rui Araki; Rei Umeki, Shuto Nagano, Rion Ichihara, Kaito Tsuchiya; Yuto Ozeki, Yudai Shimamoto; Hitsatsugu Ishii, Yotaro Nakajima, Yumeki Yokoyama; Yutaka Michiwaki.
Goalkeeper Rui Araki should return for Japan having been rested in the final group stage fixture. Kaito Tsuchiya and Rion Ichihara should continue their central defensive partnership while Yutaka Michiwaki is set to lead the line, with Yumeki Yokoyama providing support.
North Korea (4-4-2): Kang Ju-hyek; Choe Ryong-il, Kim Song-yu, Ri Song-hung, Jong Hwi-nam; Paek Chung-song, Bom Kim-kuk, Yom Chol-gyong, Ra Myong-song; Choe Kuk, Ri Kum-chol.
Ra Myong-song should retain his place in midfield after netting a brace for North Korea last time out. Choe Kuk is expected to feature in attack, while Ri Song-hung and Kim Song-yu should line up at the heart of the defence.