Zion Suzuki confident that Japan can win Asian Cup 2027

Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki joined Premier League side Aston Villa this summer from Italian side Parma. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki said that the nation can win next year’s Asian Cup and took responsibility for the nation’s quarterfinal exit in the last edition.

The 24-year-old who joined Premier League side Aston Villa this summer made multiple errors during the continental tournament in Qatar in 2024 as Japan was beaten by Iran.

He noted that he has improved since then and that Japan is primed to end its 16-year drought to lift the trophy. “The last time, I played for the first time, I played very bad and I led the team to defeat,” Suzuki said after Japan’s 2-1 friendly win over New Zealand in Tokyo.

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“This time I experienced a lot of things, and I played in the World Cup, and I’m playing in the Premier League, so I have confidence. I want to help the team, and we are confident of winning the Asian Cup,” he added.

Suzuki was impressive during the World Cup this summer, helping Japan reach the round of 16, where it was beaten by South American giant Brazil.

The two nations will meet again in a friendly tournament in Singapore in November, which will be Japan’s last assignment ahead of the Asian Cup that begins in January 2027.