CCTV5 will broadcast the U23 China national football team competing against Japan for the championship, with market values of 8.5 million euros versus 6.58 million euros in a high-stakes clash.

The Chinese men's football team is once more vying for a continental championship, and their opponent remains Japan's football team. Beijing timeJanuary 24 at 11 PM, the 2026 U23 Asian Cup final will begin,China U-23 versus Japan U-23, held at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, with CCTV5 broadcasting the match live.

The highlights of the China U-23 versus Japan U-23 match are as follows:

Firstly:Team conditions! The China U23 team has a total market value of 8.5 million euros, the highest among knockout stage teams in this U23 Asian Cup, while Japan U23's total value is 6.58 million euros.

Secondly:A clash of contradictions — who is stronger?? The China U23 team entered as a fourth-tier squad and reached the final thanks to the tournament's strongest defense, keeping clean sheets in all five matches. Japan U23 boasts the tournament's most potent attack, characterized by quick, skillful play and fluid small-group combinations, with many through-ball attacks especially from the flanks. They also have two tall center forwards and are effective on set pieces. This match represents the most intense tactical battle in the U23 Asian Cup. China U23 must improve midfield interceptions to reduce turnovers that lead to Japanese counterattacks, leverage their physical strength to launch sharp counterattacks, and capitalize on their height advantage during set pieces.

Before the game, China U23 head coach Antonio expressed determination at the press conference, saying"The gap between Chinese and Japanese football is indeed significant, but we will strive to create an extraordinary outcome."

Note: The last time a Chinese national team reached a continental final was in 2004, in the Asian Cup final, also against Japan — that was 22 years ago.

Rise up, China U23! Success comes to those who fight hard. You’re already impressive; go for your best moment, keep pushing!