JEDDAH -- China missed its chance to win 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.

"I am sorry for failing to show our best game in this crucial final. It reflects our strength. We respect our opponents and also our own efforts," said China defender Hu Hetao.

"I believe we will achieve a better result in the next edition, and every generation of the U23 team will make progress in the future. I trust them," he added.

Yuto Ozeki and Kosei Ogura put Japan 2-0 ahead in the first half, before Ryunosuke Sato and Ogura rounded out the victory.

Having won the title in 2016 and 2024, Japan beat South Korea 1-0 in the semifinals.