Japan captain Honoka Yotsumoto says her team is determined to honour their predecessors by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The Little Nadeshiko will be making their fourth appearance in the final of the competition, having previously reached the title-deciding match in 2010, 2014 and 2016.
Japan’s only triumph came at the 2014 edition in Costa Rica, where they defeated Spain 2-0 in San Jose to lift the trophy.
However, standing between Japan and a second world title are Nigeria’s Flamingos, who are chasing their first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup crown.
The Nigerian side have enjoyed an impressive campaign in Morocco, producing some outstanding performances along the way.
They stunned defending champions DPR Korea with a 3-1 victory in the group stage before recording another convincing 3-1 win over Brazil in the semi-finals to secure their place in the final.
Despite the threat posed by the Flamingos, Yotsumoto remains focused on leading Japan to glory, insisting that the team is determined to make history while paying tribute to those who represented the country before them.
“We carry the hopes and feelings of the players who came before us. We want to honour them by bringing the trophy back to Japan,” she told FIFA.
Japan will now look to draw inspiration from their 2014 triumph as they prepare to face a confident Nigerian side eager to make history by claiming their maiden title.