Jeddah, Jan. 24 -- China missed the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup title after losing to defending champion Japan 4-0 in the final on Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
China reached the final for the first time after defeating Vietnam 3-0 in Tuesday's semifinals.
Yuto Ozeki and Kosei Ogura put Japan 2-0 ahead in the first half, before Ryunosuke Sato and Ogura rounded out the scoreline.
Having won the title in 2016 and 2024, Japan beat South Korea 1-0 in the semifinals.
The defending champion had taken the initiative in the opening minutes and forced a couple of corners while at the other end China also had the chance as Xiang Yuwang failed to make the most of a long ball with his header too weak to surprise Japan's goalkeeper Rui Araki.
China'...