U-20 World Cup: Japan Dominates Egypt 2-0 in Group Stage Opener

Japan 2-0 win over Egypt in U-20 World Cup Opener

Japan's U-20 team gets off to a flying start in the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Egypy with goals from Rion Ichihara and Hisatsugu Ishii.

“We went through the Asian qualifier also on penalties, so I had confidence in taking it...”

Japan secured a 2-0 victory over four-time African champions Egypt in their 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup opener. The match, held at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, saw Japan's Rion Ichihara score a penalty in the 29th minute, followed by Hisatsugu Ishii's neat finish inside the penalty area in the 48th minute.

Despite enjoying nearly half of the possession, Egypt struggled to find composure against Japan's relentless pressing. The Young Pharaohs managed only one on-target shot from six attempts, while Japan peppered the goal with 16 shots and recorded 27 touches inside the penalty area. This loss marks a setback for Egypt, who finished fourth at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations and aimed to better their third-place finish from the 2001 edition.

The result means Africa's hopes now rest on other representatives, including Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa, who will look to make an impact in the tournament. Morocco, in particular, will be looking to build on their senior team's success with tactical discipline and belief. Egypt, meanwhile, will need to regroup and respond after their opening defeat.

Both teams started the match on a high note, creating early opportunities but failing to capitalize. The deadlock was eventually broken by Japan's more enterprising approach. On the half-hour mark, Japan was awarded a penalty after Seif Safaga brought down Shunsuke Saito in the box. Rion Ichihara scored the penalty, calmly sending goalkeeper Ahmed Waheb the wrong way.

Despite their best efforts, Egypt struggled to find an equalizer. The Asian defense proved resolute, and Osama Nabieh's team couldn't break through. Japan's lead ultimately proved enough to secure the win, leaving Egypt to regroup and reassess their strategy moving forward.

Japan secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Egypt in their U-20 World Cup opener, with captain Rion Ichihara scoring a penalty in the 29th minute and Hisatsugu Ishii doubling the lead just three minutes after the restart with a stunning long-range strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance. This win marks Japan's seventh consecutive U-20 World Cup opener where they've found the net, showcasing their impressive form in the tournament's early stages.

Japan 🆚 Egypt #U20WC pic.twitter.com/pcAMQ1AQPf

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 28, 2025

Japan's streak of scoring in consecutive openers remains intact, with their last failure to score in the opening match dating back to 2001 when they lost 2-0 to Australia in Argentina. Interestingly, Egypt finished third in that tournament. This historical context highlights Japan's consistency in performing well in the U-20 World Cup's initial stages.

“We went through the Asian qualifier also on penalties, so I had confidence in taking it,” captain Ichihara said after the game. 

“It was a penalty that my teammates earned, and I had the responsibility to score it as captain, but I hit it with confidence. We will continue doing the same things and win the next one too.”