AFC U23 Asian Cup

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News

Saudi Arabia 2026: Facts & Figures

Thu, 01 Jan, 2026

Saudi Arabia 2026: Facts & Figures

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on Tuesday with 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.

The action promises to be spectacular and ahead of the opening matches, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures.

#AFCU23: Most Valuable Players

Fri, 02 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23: Most Valuable Players

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on Tuesday with the stage set for the continent’s brightest talents to shine on the continental platform.

Over the years, the tournament has featured players who have inspired their countries to one of Asian football’s most prestigious titles and finished the campaign not only as a champion but also with the Most Valuable Player accolade. From Amjad Kalaf’s stunning display in the first-ever tournament to Joel Chima Fujita dazzling in 2024, the-AFC.com looks back at the six players who have been named the AFC U23 Asian Cup MVP.

Know your team: China PR

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

Know your team: China PR

Jeddah: China PR will be hoping to make progress at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 after securing qualification as one of the best runners-up.

Having featured in all but one edition of the Finals, China PR will be seeking to break into new territory at the continental competition.

Know your team: Thailand

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Thailand

Jeddah: Thailand will not be short of confidence when they go into their sixth successive AFC U23 Asian Cup™ challenge in the coming days.

Qualification was secured after topping Group F and Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul’s side will be looking to make a big splash at Saudi Arabia 2026.

Know your team: Australia

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Australia

Jeddah: Australia will be determined to put their group stage exit in the previous edition behind them by shining at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The Olyroos missed out on the quarter-finals in 2024 after finishing third in their group, their exit prompted by goalless draws against Qatar and Jordan and losing 1-0 to Indonesia.

Know your team: Iraq

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Iraq

Jeddah: Iraq will head to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 aiming to better their run to semi-finals at the previous edition.

Champions in 2013, Iraq once again showed their pedigree by finishing third at Qatar 2024, their best result in nearly a decade.

Road to #AFCU23 glory ignites at Saudi Arabia 2026

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Road to #AFCU23 glory ignites at Saudi Arabia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: All eyes will turn to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a week’s time when the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ gets underway in the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh.

The Continent’s best talents are poised to prove that they can make the next step in their careers at the seventh edition of the tournament, which runs from January 6 to 24.

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched the official AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Match Predictor, now available on the-AFC.com and the AFC LIVE app.

The #AFCU23 match predictor will add extra excitement as in January 2026, 16 teams drawn into four groups will compete for the silverware at the seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™. Join, predict and win exclusive prizes with #AFCU23 Match Predictor. The hosts and 2022 champions Saudi Arabia are scheduled to meet the 2018 runners-up Vietnam, while two-time, defending champions Japan face the 2024 hosts Qatar - encounters befitting a tournament of continental stature.

Know your team: Lebanon

Sun, 28 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Lebanon

Jeddah: Lebanon will look to go one better than AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ debutants Indonesia when they make their Finals bow at Saudi Arabia 2026.

Indonesia finished fourth in the last edition, and Lebanon will aim to be even more impressive after booking their ticket to the Finals with a valiant qualifying campaign.

Know your team: IR Iran

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: IR Iran

Jeddah: Islamic Republic of Iran’s perfect showing in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Qualifiers will give them confidence of making an impact in the Finals, with the Central Asian nation aiming to lift the trophy for the first time.

Iran topped Group I after defeating United Arab Emirates, Guam and Hong Kong, China, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two to book their fifth appearance in the continental showcase.

Know your team: Korea Republic

Fri, 26 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Korea Republic

Jeddah: Korea Republic will aim to redeem themselves at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ after exiting at the quarter-final stage of the last two editions.

The 2020 champions and 2016 runners-up, who have not missed a single edition of the Finals, also made the semi-finals in 2013 and 2018. Their hopes of advancing further in 2022 were dashed when they lost 3-0 to Japan and then to debutants Indonesia in 2024 after being outgunned in a marathon 11-10 penalty shootout.

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Thu, 25 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Jeddah: Uzbekistan will, yet again, be among the teams to beat at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2018, Uzbekistan also reached the final of the 2022 and 2024 editions, underlining their reputation as among Asian football’s powerhouses.

Photos

Saudi Arabia 2026: Facts & Figures

Thu, 01 Jan, 2026

Saudi Arabia 2026: Facts & Figures

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on Tuesday with 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.

The action promises to be spectacular and ahead of the opening matches, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures.

#AFCU23: Most Valuable Players

Fri, 02 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23: Most Valuable Players

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on Tuesday with the stage set for the continent’s brightest talents to shine on the continental platform.

Over the years, the tournament has featured players who have inspired their countries to one of Asian football’s most prestigious titles and finished the campaign not only as a champion but also with the Most Valuable Player accolade. From Amjad Kalaf’s stunning display in the first-ever tournament to Joel Chima Fujita dazzling in 2024, the-AFC.com looks back at the six players who have been named the AFC U23 Asian Cup MVP.

Know your team: China PR

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

Know your team: China PR

Jeddah: China PR will be hoping to make progress at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 after securing qualification as one of the best runners-up.

Having featured in all but one edition of the Finals, China PR will be seeking to break into new territory at the continental competition.

Know your team: Thailand

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Thailand

Jeddah: Thailand will not be short of confidence when they go into their sixth successive AFC U23 Asian Cup™ challenge in the coming days.

Qualification was secured after topping Group F and Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul’s side will be looking to make a big splash at Saudi Arabia 2026.

Know your team: Australia

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Australia

Jeddah: Australia will be determined to put their group stage exit in the previous edition behind them by shining at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The Olyroos missed out on the quarter-finals in 2024 after finishing third in their group, their exit prompted by goalless draws against Qatar and Jordan and losing 1-0 to Indonesia.

Know your team: Iraq

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Iraq

Jeddah: Iraq will head to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 aiming to better their run to semi-finals at the previous edition.

Champions in 2013, Iraq once again showed their pedigree by finishing third at Qatar 2024, their best result in nearly a decade.

Road to #AFCU23 glory ignites at Saudi Arabia 2026

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Road to #AFCU23 glory ignites at Saudi Arabia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: All eyes will turn to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a week’s time when the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ gets underway in the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh.

The Continent’s best talents are poised to prove that they can make the next step in their careers at the seventh edition of the tournament, which runs from January 6 to 24.

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched the official AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Match Predictor, now available on the-AFC.com and the AFC LIVE app.

The #AFCU23 match predictor will add extra excitement as in January 2026, 16 teams drawn into four groups will compete for the silverware at the seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™. Join, predict and win exclusive prizes with #AFCU23 Match Predictor. The hosts and 2022 champions Saudi Arabia are scheduled to meet the 2018 runners-up Vietnam, while two-time, defending champions Japan face the 2024 hosts Qatar - encounters befitting a tournament of continental stature.

Know your team: Lebanon

Sun, 28 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Lebanon

Jeddah: Lebanon will look to go one better than AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ debutants Indonesia when they make their Finals bow at Saudi Arabia 2026.

Indonesia finished fourth in the last edition, and Lebanon will aim to be even more impressive after booking their ticket to the Finals with a valiant qualifying campaign.

Know your team: IR Iran

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: IR Iran

Jeddah: Islamic Republic of Iran’s perfect showing in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Qualifiers will give them confidence of making an impact in the Finals, with the Central Asian nation aiming to lift the trophy for the first time.

Iran topped Group I after defeating United Arab Emirates, Guam and Hong Kong, China, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two to book their fifth appearance in the continental showcase.

Know your team: Korea Republic

Fri, 26 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Korea Republic

Jeddah: Korea Republic will aim to redeem themselves at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ after exiting at the quarter-final stage of the last two editions.

The 2020 champions and 2016 runners-up, who have not missed a single edition of the Finals, also made the semi-finals in 2013 and 2018. Their hopes of advancing further in 2022 were dashed when they lost 3-0 to Japan and then to debutants Indonesia in 2024 after being outgunned in a marathon 11-10 penalty shootout.

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Thu, 25 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Jeddah: Uzbekistan will, yet again, be among the teams to beat at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2018, Uzbekistan also reached the final of the 2022 and 2024 editions, underlining their reputation as among Asian football’s powerhouses.

Videos

Saudi Arabia 2026: Facts & Figures

Thu, 01 Jan, 2026

Saudi Arabia 2026: Facts & Figures

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on Tuesday with 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.

The action promises to be spectacular and ahead of the opening matches, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures.

#AFCU23: Most Valuable Players

Fri, 02 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23: Most Valuable Players

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on Tuesday with the stage set for the continent’s brightest talents to shine on the continental platform.

Over the years, the tournament has featured players who have inspired their countries to one of Asian football’s most prestigious titles and finished the campaign not only as a champion but also with the Most Valuable Player accolade. From Amjad Kalaf’s stunning display in the first-ever tournament to Joel Chima Fujita dazzling in 2024, the-AFC.com looks back at the six players who have been named the AFC U23 Asian Cup MVP.

Know your team: China PR

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

Know your team: China PR

Jeddah: China PR will be hoping to make progress at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 after securing qualification as one of the best runners-up.

Having featured in all but one edition of the Finals, China PR will be seeking to break into new territory at the continental competition.

Know your team: Thailand

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Thailand

Jeddah: Thailand will not be short of confidence when they go into their sixth successive AFC U23 Asian Cup™ challenge in the coming days.

Qualification was secured after topping Group F and Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul’s side will be looking to make a big splash at Saudi Arabia 2026.

Know your team: Australia

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Australia

Jeddah: Australia will be determined to put their group stage exit in the previous edition behind them by shining at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The Olyroos missed out on the quarter-finals in 2024 after finishing third in their group, their exit prompted by goalless draws against Qatar and Jordan and losing 1-0 to Indonesia.

Know your team: Iraq

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Iraq

Jeddah: Iraq will head to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 aiming to better their run to semi-finals at the previous edition.

Champions in 2013, Iraq once again showed their pedigree by finishing third at Qatar 2024, their best result in nearly a decade.

Road to #AFCU23 glory ignites at Saudi Arabia 2026

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Road to #AFCU23 glory ignites at Saudi Arabia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: All eyes will turn to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a week’s time when the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ gets underway in the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh.

The Continent’s best talents are poised to prove that they can make the next step in their careers at the seventh edition of the tournament, which runs from January 6 to 24.

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched the official AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Match Predictor, now available on the-AFC.com and the AFC LIVE app.

The #AFCU23 match predictor will add extra excitement as in January 2026, 16 teams drawn into four groups will compete for the silverware at the seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™. Join, predict and win exclusive prizes with #AFCU23 Match Predictor. The hosts and 2022 champions Saudi Arabia are scheduled to meet the 2018 runners-up Vietnam, while two-time, defending champions Japan face the 2024 hosts Qatar - encounters befitting a tournament of continental stature.

Know your team: Lebanon

Sun, 28 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Lebanon

Jeddah: Lebanon will look to go one better than AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ debutants Indonesia when they make their Finals bow at Saudi Arabia 2026.

Indonesia finished fourth in the last edition, and Lebanon will aim to be even more impressive after booking their ticket to the Finals with a valiant qualifying campaign.

Know your team: IR Iran

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: IR Iran

Jeddah: Islamic Republic of Iran’s perfect showing in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Qualifiers will give them confidence of making an impact in the Finals, with the Central Asian nation aiming to lift the trophy for the first time.

Iran topped Group I after defeating United Arab Emirates, Guam and Hong Kong, China, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two to book their fifth appearance in the continental showcase.

Know your team: Korea Republic

Fri, 26 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Korea Republic

Jeddah: Korea Republic will aim to redeem themselves at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ after exiting at the quarter-final stage of the last two editions.

The 2020 champions and 2016 runners-up, who have not missed a single edition of the Finals, also made the semi-finals in 2013 and 2018. Their hopes of advancing further in 2022 were dashed when they lost 3-0 to Japan and then to debutants Indonesia in 2024 after being outgunned in a marathon 11-10 penalty shootout.

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Thu, 25 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Jeddah: Uzbekistan will, yet again, be among the teams to beat at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2018, Uzbekistan also reached the final of the 2022 and 2024 editions, underlining their reputation as among Asian football’s powerhouses.