Today, the Japan Football Association (JFA) announced the U-23 Japan national team members who will participate in the 'AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026' held in January 2026. We are pleased to inform you that our club players Ryunosuke SATO and Masataka KOBAYASHI have been selected.

□Comment from Sato
“I am very happy to have been selected for the U-23 Japan national team.
This tournament comes at an important time just before the season starts, but first, I will give my all to lead Japan to victory in this competition!
Thank you for your support!

◇ Player Sato's profile is here_{*As of the 2024 season}

□ Player Kobayashi's comment
“I am very happy to have been selected for the U-23 Japan national team.
I will fight with determination as a national team player to achieve results that will give momentum to the new season.
Thank you for your support!

◇ Player Kobayashi's profile is here

□Tournament Name
AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026

□Period
Jan 6 (Tue), 2026 – Jan 24 (Fri), 2026 

Sec. 1
Jan 7 (Wed)
U-23 Japan national team vs U-23 Syria national team
(Kickoff at 8:30 p.m. JST / King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium)


[Sec. 2]
January 10 (Sat)
U-23 Japan national team vs U-23 UAE team
(Kickoff at 8:30 p.m. Japan time / King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium)


Sec. 3
Jan 14 (Wed)
U-23 Japan national team vs U-23 Qatar national team
(Kickoff at 1:30 a.m. Japan time / King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium)

□Location
Saudi Arabia / Jeddah

_{* For more details, please check the website below
[URL] https://www.jfa.jp/national_team/u22_2025}