Indonesia U17 eliminated in group stage of AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 after losing to Japan.

Indonesia U17 failed to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup after losing 1-3 to Japan U17 in their final Group B match in Jeddah. This defeat also dashed the hopes of the Garuda Muda to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto's squad entered the decisive match under immense pressure. Only a victory could keep their quarter-final hopes alive along with an automatic ticket to the U17 World Cup.

However, Japan displayed their quality as one of Asia's premier youth football forces on the pitch.

From the opening minutes, the Blue Samurai played at a high tempo, pressuring Indonesia's defensive line. Wave after wave of attacks forced the Garuda Muda's defense to work tirelessly to repel threats.

Japan created an early chance through striker Eito Tataki's shot, but the ball sailed over Indonesia's crossbar. 

Japan's dominance finally produced a goal in the 28th minute. Ryoma Tsuyoneshi's close-range finish gave Japan a 1-0 lead.

Ahead by one goal, Japan maintained relentless pressure. Rekuto Shiraogawa's long-range strike nearly extended their advantage but was saved by Indonesian Goalkeeper Mike Rajasa. Indonesia trailed by one goal at halftime.

Japan continued their aggressive play into the second half. Sustained pressure yielded a second goal in the 58th minute through captain Takeshi Wada, doubling their lead to 2-0.

Amid Japan's dominance, Indonesia briefly revived hope with Peres Tjoe's stunning 70th-minute Free-kick that curled into Japan's net, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.

But this resurgence proved short-lived. Two minutes later, substitute Arata Okamoto scored Japan's third goal, extinguishing Indonesia's comeback chances. The 3-1 scoreline held until the final whistle.

The loss left Indonesia bottom of Group B with three points from three matches. This tally proved insufficient for the Garuda Muda to advance to the knockout stage or secure a World Cup berth. Only group winners and runners-up qualified for the U17 World Cup.

Japan claimed maximum nine points from three matches, securing quarter-final qualification as group winners. China U17 joined them after defeating Qatar U17 2-0 in their final group match.