Japan youth football teams compete in international tournaments

Youth football teams representing Japan have competed in recent international tournaments. The U-17 Niigata Selection secured a runner-up finish at the 28th International Youth Football Tournament held in Niigata. The team achieved two wins and one loss, defeating the U-17 New Zealand representative team 3-2 and the U-17 Myanmar representative team 2-0, while losing 0-2 to the U-17 Japan representative team.

In France, the U-17 Japan national team participated in the Limoges International Tournament as part of their final overseas tour before the U-17 World Cup. Following a 2-1 victory against Ukraine, the team suffered a 1-2 defeat against Austria. During the match against Austria, Ryo Igarashi scored an equalizer, but Japan was forced to play with ten men after Koki Kurahashi received a red card. A late goal by Austria in stoppage time secured their victory.