Japanese fans react with disbelief as Vietnam officially misses out on World Cup qualification.

Vietnam's U20 women's team still receives respect from Japanese fans after failing to secure a spot in the 2026 U20 World Cup finals.

On the afternoon of April 11, Vietnam's U20 women's national team entered the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, facing a formidable opponent, Japan's U20 women's team, at Pathum Thani Stadium (Thailand). Against a team considered superior in skill, technique, and international experience, coach Okiyama Masahiko and his players were predicted to face significant challenges in creating an upset.

The match unfolded reflecting that disparity as Japan's U20 women's team quickly controlled the game and continuously pressured Vietnam's goal. With their technical play, speed, and seamless coordination, the representatives from the land of the rising sun gradually solidified their advantage with goals. Ultimately, Vietnam's U20 women's team suffered a 0-4 defeat and officially stopped at the quarter-finals.

Despite not advancing further, the journey of Vietnam's U20 women's team in the tournament still holds many positive meanings. Facing top continental teams like Japan helped the young players accumulate valuable experience, thereby improving themselves both professionally and in competitive spirit. This will be an important foundation for Vietnamese women's football to aim for long-term goals in the future.

After the match, many Japanese fans left comments expressing respect for the fighting spirit of Vietnam's U20 women's team. One opinion stated: "Vietnam played very resiliently; despite losing 0-4, they never gave up and fought until the last minute." Another fan remarked: "The skill gap was clear, but Vietnam's U20 women's team showed improvement and organized defense quite well."

Additionally, many Japanese fans also focused on their own team. A candid comment noted: "Victory was expected, but Japan needs to improve finishing ability to advance further." Another opinion emphasized: "We should not be satisfied with the World Cup ticket. The ultimate goal must be the Asian championship."

These responses show the objective perspective from Japanese fans, while also reflecting high expectations for their own team. For Vietnam's U20 women's team, despite stopping at the quarter-finals, the experiences in this tournament will be a crucial stepping stone for future development.

AFC expresses one remark when Vietnam loses 0-4 to Japan.

Thai media reacts strongly as Vietnam loses its World Cup qualification ticket.