South Korea and Japan prepare for AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers

Youth national teams from South Korea and Japan are preparing for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers, which begin on August 31 in Cambodia. The tournament serves as a primary pathway for qualification to the U-20 World Cup.

The South Korean U-20 squad faces significant challenges after several key players, including Song Jeong-bom, Mo Gyeong-bin, Kim Ye-gon, and Kim Hyeon-o, were unable to join the team due to club reluctance. Reports indicate that coach Kim Jong-su had to compromise on his roster, leaving the team without several core players and raising concerns regarding the match fitness of the remaining squad members. South Korea is placed in Group A and will face Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan.

Meanwhile, the Japan U-19 team, led by coach Yamaguchi Satoshi, is undergoing preparations in Chiba Prefecture. Much of the focus is on overseas-based midfielder Nick Schmidt, who plays for St. Pauli in Germany. Schmidt, who has experience in the St. Pauli academy and professional setup, is expected to be a central figure in Japan's midfield as the team seeks to secure a spot in the upcoming continental championship.