Israel defeats Japan in historic FIFA U-20 World Cup championship match

Israel gained a victory in the 2023 FIFA men’s Under-20 World Cup in Argentina when it beat Japan 2-1 with a late comeback on Saturday night.

The soccer U-20 championship games, which began on May 20, are currently being played across four cities in Argentina through June 11.

The U-20 tournament competition features FIFA men's national teams with players under the age of 20.

Following Israel's victory against Japan, team manager Ofir Haim said “the sky is the limit” and called the win ”the greatest match in the history of Israeli soccer.”

“I want to say to all of Israel – we love you and we did it for you. We knew that everyone wanted us to do it. I told them, the entire State [of Israel] is behind you,” Haim said. “I have no words, these guys have such heart and soul. The sky is the limit for us. We're not afraid of any team,” the coach added.

Israel lost to Columbia during an earlier match, but with the Saturday win against Japan, the team moves on to face a new opponent – Uzbekistan – this Tuesday night.

A total of 24 worldwide teams are competing this year, including England, Italy, France, Brazil, New Zealand, Nigeria, Tunisia and Iraq.

This year marks the first-time ever that Israel is participating in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. It is also the first goal Israel has scored in any major FIFA tournament since the 1970 Mexico World Cup.

Indonesia was originally scheduled to host the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, but the tournament was moved to Argentina after regional leaders in Indonesia refused to host the Israeli team.

Round 16 of the U-20 World Cup soccer tournament between Israel and Uzbekistan will take place at Mendoza stadium on May 30.