[Women's Junior Japan Handball Team] 25th Women's Junior World Championship Main Round Match 2: Best 8 Berth Secured!

Players who defeated Poland to secure a spot in the Best 8.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support of our association.

The Women's Junior Japan National Team (U-20), participating in the "25th Women's Junior World Championship" held in China from June 24th, played their Main Round Match 2 against Poland at 16:15 (17:15 Japan time) on June 30th, winning 22-18.

At this point, Japan has secured at least second place in Main Round Group 4, clinching a spot in the Best 8.

- Main Round Match 2

Japan 22 (13-10, 9-8) 18 Poland

[First Half] Taking the lead with a strong start

In the first half, Japan got off to a good start with three consecutive goals from Futaba Ikeda. They continued to score at a good pace with cut-in shots from Yume Matsumoto and Wakana Kita, taking a 7-point lead at 9-2 in the 12th minute.

Poland, employing a 7-on-6 attack, gradually closed the gap, and Japan's flow faltered due to some errors. However, a solid defense centered around goalkeeper Hana Ozaki tightened up at crucial moments.

Minimizing the damage, they capitalized on limited chances with side shots from Airi Jinno and cut-in shots from Haruna Samo, ending the first half with a 3-point lead at 13-10.

[Second Half] Overcoming tough periods to secure victory

In the second half, Japan conceded three consecutive goals at the start, allowing Poland to tie the score at 13-13. However, they rallied without losing spirit, scoring three consecutive goals twice with 7-meter throws from Haruna Samo and cut-in shots from Kita. In the 16th minute, they regained a 5-point lead at 19-14.

During a difficult period where they had a player in the penalty box, they managed to hold onto their lead, largely thanks to goalkeeper Ozaki. They defeated Poland by 4 points, 22-18.

Ozaki, who recorded a save rate of over 40% in this match and was instrumental in the victory, was selected as Player of the Match.

◇ Japan's Goal Scorers and Goalkeeper Saves

5 goals: #13 Futaba Ikeda 4 goals: #6 Haruna Samo

3 goals: #15 Wakana Kita

2 goals: #14 Mako Nakamura

2 goals: #23 Ai Nakao

1 goal: #4 Airi Jinno

1 goal: #10 Yume Matsumoto

1 goal: #17 Kaede Abe

1 goal: #18 Jurina Kio

1 goal: #20 Hisaki Aragaki

1 goal: #25 Mao Kato

- Goalkeeper (Saves/Shots Faced)

11/27: #12 Hana Ozaki

0/2: #1 Hirari Fujiwara

*Detailed stats here

Futaba Ikeda, whose three consecutive goals helped seize momentum.

◇ Match Photos

Download here.

Available for use for journalistic purposes only.

Please credit "©IHF/Kolektiff/Sasa Pahic Szabo" when using.

◇ Next Match

Final Tournament - Quarterfinals

Date: July 2nd (Thu) 18:30 (19:30 Japan time)

Having secured at least second place in Main Round Group 4, Japan's final ranking in the group will be determined by the result of the Hungary vs. Norway match, which will take place after the Poland game.

In the Final Tournament (Quarterfinals), Japan will face either Germany or Spain, the top-ranked teams who won the gold and silver medals at the 2025 Women's U-19 European Championship.

While the competition is certain to be at an even higher level than before, overcoming this significant hurdle could bring a medal within reach.

Please continue to support our players as they challenge themselves to reach new heights.

Players celebrating securing a spot in the Best 8.

[25th IHF Women's Junior (U-20) World Handball Championship]

Period: June 24th (Wed) - July 5th (Sun), 2026

Host Country: China

Tournament Details: Tournament Page

Japan National Team Matches

Japan's Final Tournament Schedule:

- July 2nd (Thu) 18:30 (19:30 Japan time) vs. Germany or Spain

◇ Broadcast/Streaming

Live streaming on the IHF (International Handball Federation) official YouTube channel.

*Streaming links for the Final Tournament will be announced as they become available.

- Main Round Archives

Match vs. Hungary (June 29th, Archive)

Match vs. Poland (June 30th, Archive)

- Preliminary Round Archives

Match vs. Faroe Islands (June 24th, Archive)

Match vs. Norway (June 25th, Archive)

Match vs. Croatia (June 27th, Archive)

□ Japan National Team Roster here

25th Women's Junior World Championship Roster