Team China take photos with supporters after the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup final match between China and Japan in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 24, 2026 local time. Photo: VCG

Despite a 4-0 defeat to Japan in the U23 Asian Cup final on Saturday, the Chinese men's national under-23 football team received overwhelming applause for their performance after achieving the runners-up finish, China's best-ever result in the tournament. 

China's top sport authority, the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), and football governing body, the Chinese Football Association (CFA), both issued congratulatory letters to the team's breakthrough, noting their achievement was a "best-ever result in the tournament" and "reignited hope for the revitalization of Chinese football." 

The team's "outstanding performance has boosted the morale and vitality of Chinese football, serving as a strong impetus to reinforce confidence and determination in the revitalization of the sport," the GASC letter reads. 

It has galvanized collective efforts and injected spiritual momentum into the promotion of the "three major ball sports" and the building of a leading sports nation, the GASC said in the letter. 

The official recognition came on the back of a campaign that far exceeded expectations. The Chinese under-23 team, which was seeded at the bottom level in the group stage, did not concede a goal en route to the final. 

The final marks the first time in 22 years that a Chinese men's national team at any level has reached the final of a major continental tournament.

The CFA highlighted the team's journey under head coach Antonio Puche, noting that the players had translated the spirit of being "battle-ready and disciplined" into concrete results on the pitch.

"This honor is the reward for the relentless training and hard work of all players, coaches and staff, and a crucial breakthrough for Chinese football on its new journey forward," the CFA said. 

After the surprising run, Puche is expected to continue his role as the Chinese U23 team prepares for the Asian Games later this year, which will be held in Aichi and Nagoya in Japan from September to October.

The Global Times has learned that the CFA has planned friendlies for the U23 team in March to increase the players' international match experience.

Eleven players of the current 23-man squad are under the age of 21, fueling hopes that these players could mount another title challenge at the next edition, where the top two teams will qualify for the 2028 Olympics automatically.

Hopes alive 

Multiple Chinese players who played in the U23 Asian Cup final took to the social media to express regret and hope, framing the defeat as a starting point rather than an end and vowing "the mission is unfinished and the fight will go on."

"We recognize the gap and will go back and train harder so that next time we can win," wrote goalkeeper Li Hao on social media. 

The 21-year-old keeper made his name through the tournament by keeping a clean sheet until the final, including fending off a misfiring Uzbekistan of 28 shots in the quarterfinals.

Central forward Baihelamu Abuduwaili, who played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the final but was benched in the final due to catching a fever, said the defeat has motivated him to grow stronger. 

"Moving forward, I will set stricter standards for honing my skills, refining my form, and dedicating myself fully to intense training," Baihelamu said. "I will respond with action to all the trust and expectations placed in me!"

His sentiment was echoed by midfielder Wang Bohao, who is currently with Dutch second-tier football club Den Bosch.

"The mission remains unfinished, but we will keep fighting. I will never forget the pain of this moment," Wang said. "The road ahead is long, and the true answers lie at our feet. We must find the right path and keep moving forward."

Defender Hu Haotao expressed regret that the team did not perform at a desired level.

"I'm very sorry the team did not perform at our desired level in such a critical match and failed to secure the victory," said 21-year-old Hu, who has made appearance for the senior national team last year. 

"We must recognize our capabilities. We will strive to deliver better performances and attitudes in training and matches to repay our fans."

Defender Wumitijiang Yusupu, who won the CSL with his club Shanghai Port last season, also acknowledges the gap but vows to strengthen up.

"We are no longer the fourth-seeded team we once were!" declared Wumitijiang. "We gave our all, clearly saw the gaps and exchanged sweat for growth. The mission remains unfinished, but our steps will not stop, we will keep fighting."

Building winning mindset

Ma Dexing, vice editor-in-chief of Titan Sports newspaper, told the Global Times that the long absence of Chinese teams from the final in continental tournaments has exposed deeper challenges in the sport.

"A championship requires more than just talent, it needs a winning mindset and thorough preparation. Clearly, Chinese football has not yet reached that stage as we have been absent for major international competitions' final," Ma told the Global Times. 

"Although the Chinese U23 team ultimately fell short of the title, they made history and rewrote it. To go further, what must change is not only what happens on the pitch, but also the long-standing culture of ridicule and abuse surrounding Chinese football. We need to nurture a champion's mentality among our players," Ma added. 

Wang Dazhao, a Beijing-based sports commentator, offered a more cultural perspective, noting to the Global Times that the atmosphere is already taking shape.

"Only by testing ourselves against strong opponents can the players gain truly meaningful lessons. The confidence and morale earned from this campaign outweigh the breakthrough in results alone. This journey has helped Chinese football break free from a long period of frustration, and has finally brought back the applause it has long been denied," Wang said.