Japan and France Face Off in U-20 World Cup Round of 16

Santiago, Chile — Japan and France are set to clash in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Wednesday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The match will take place at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos. Japan enters the knockout stage after finishing Group A unbeaten, winning all three matches without conceding a goal.

During the group stage, Japan secured victories against Egypt (2-0), Chile (2-0), and New Zealand (3-0). Hisatsugu Ishii and Rion Ichihara each scored in the opening match against Egypt. Ichihara also found the back of the net against Chile, while the team benefitted from an own goal against New Zealand.

France, competing in Group E, advanced as one of the best third-place finishers. The French team started with a 2-1 victory over South Africa but faced a setback, losing 0-3 to the United States. They rebounded strongly in their final match, defeating New Caledonia 6-0, with Andrea Le Borgne scoring a hat trick.

All matches from the tournament can be viewed live on FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus, and via streaming on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. Fans can also catch the action on services like Fubo and YouTube TV, which carry FS1 and FS2.

With both teams demonstrating strong performances, fans can expect a thrilling contest on Wednesday as these young athletes vie for a place in the quarterfinals.