Japan's U20 women's team secures a spot in the U20 Women's World Cup after a decisive victory over Vietnam's U20 women's team.

Japan's U20 women's team moves into the semifinals after a convincing victory over Vietnam's U20 women's team this afternoon in the 2026 U20 Women's Asian Championship.

Japan's U20 women's team directly entered the top four at the 2026 AFC U20 Women's Asian Championship in Thailand after defeating Vietnam's U20 women's team 4-0 in the quarterfinal match held at Pathum Thani Stadium.

The team, which has won the championship six times, also officially secured a ticket to participate in the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland. Their opponent in the semifinal will be the winner of the match between China's U20 women's team and Uzbekistan.

Japan's U20 women's team wins decisively against Vietnam's U20 women's team.

In the early minutes of the match, Vietnam's U20 women's team performed quite well by blocking Japan's ball development. Goalkeeper Le Thi Thu easily handled probing shots from Natsumi Tago, Mao Itamura, and a powerful long-range shot from Rinka Higuchi.

In the 9th minute, Mone Sato nearly scored the opening goal after a combination from a set play by Nao Fukushima, but the defender's one-touch shot near the penalty area hit the right post.

As Japan's U20 women's team increased pressure, goalkeeper Le Thi Thu made a timely dash to block Itamura's unmarked header in the 16th minute. However, just two minutes later, she had to retrieve the ball from the net when this midfielder capitalized on a chaotic situation in the penalty area to score.

Vietnam's U20 women's defense then worked hard to prevent the opponent from widening the gap. Yura Honda and Fukushima had to seek luck from long-range shots, while the headers from Yuna Aoki and Sato lacked accuracy.

Nevertheless, Japan's U20 women's team secured the second goal in the first added minute of the first half. Receiving a pass from Higuchi, Tago turned to evade the marking defender and shot sharply into the lower left corner, leaving goalkeeper Le Thi Thu rooted.

Just one minute later, Fukushima increased the score to 3-0. She rushed down from behind the defensive line to meet Hibari Hara's cross and headed into the net despite the futile attempt by Vietnam's U20 women's goalkeeper.

Entering the second half, Japan's U20 women's team continued to press, forcing the Southeast Asian representative to retreat deep into defense. Goalkeeper Le Thi Thu excellently blocked a thunderous shot from the left flank by substitute player Miki Kimura and later a dipping shot from Tago in a similar position.

However, Vietnam's goalkeeper was completely helpless in the 61st minute. Itamura completed her personal double with a superb shot from over 20 meters, driving the ball straight into the top corner of the goal.

Japan's U20 women's team maintained pressure until the final whistle sounded. Ultimately, Vietnam's U20 women's team lost 0-4 and stopped at the 2026 AFC U20 Women's Championship finals.

Starting lineup:

Vietnam U20 women's team: Le Thi Thu, Ta Thi Hong Minh, Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, Nguyen Thi Thuong, Le Hong Yeu, Nguyen Ngo Thao Nguyen, Luu Hoang Van, Dau Nguyen Quynh Anh, Ngan Thi Thanh Hieu, Luc Thi Tuyet Lan, An Hoang Cuc.

Japan U20 women's team: Iwasaki, Sato, Aso, Aoki, Hara, Honda, Higuchi, Itamura, Fukishima, Matsunaga, Natsumi.

Scorers: Mao Itamura (18', 61'), Natsumi Tago (45'+1), Noa Fukushima (45'+2)