On October 5, 2026, Japan secured a 2-1 victory against New Zealand, clinching the Kirin Cup 2026 in front of a home crowd at the New National Stadium in Tokyo. This win not only crowned Japan as the tournament champions but also highlighted their impressive performance throughout the competition.

The match began with Japan taking the initiative, applying pressure on New Zealand's defense. Japan opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Ayase Ueda capitalized on an opportunity to put the hosts ahead 1-0. However, the lead was short-lived as New Zealand equalized just four minutes later, with Benjamin Old finding the back of the net, making it 1-1.

The score remained tied until the second half, when Japan regained the lead in the 71st minute. Ritsu Doan, the captain of Eintracht Frankfurt, scored a crucial goal, restoring Japan's advantage. Despite New Zealand's efforts to push for another equalizer, they were unable to penetrate Japan's solid defense.

With this victory, Japan completed the Kirin Cup with an impressive record of three wins and one penalty shootout victory, following their earlier matches against Uruguay and Venezuela. They also advanced past Ecuador in the semifinals after a goalless draw that ended in a 5-4 win on penalties.

This triumph marks a significant achievement for Japan's national team, known as the Samurai Blue, as they continue to build momentum following their participation in the 2026 World Cup. Fans celebrated their return home, filling the airport with cheers and support for their team.

The Kirin Cup victory not only showcases Japan's football prowess but also sets a promising tone for future international competitions.