Vidmar commends Australia’s strong mindset

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Vidmar commends Australia’s strong mindset

Riyadh: Head coach Tony Vidmar praised Australia for their never-give-up mentality after a stunning 2-1 win over Iraq in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D match on Wednesday.

The Olyroos left it late, coming from behind to equalise through Yaya Dukuly and Mathias Macallister in time added on after trailing from the 63rd minute. The win saw them top the group with six points and took them to the quarter-finals after missing out in 2024.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-group-d-iraq-1-2-australia

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3150027

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3150029

Puche on a high after China PR make history

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Puche on a high after China PR make history

Riyadh: An ecstatic China PR head coach Antonio Puche told his side to savour their historic achievement after the East Asian side qualified for their first AFC U23 Asian Cup™ quarter-finals on Wednesday.

A goalless draw with Thailand in their final Saudi Arabia 2026 Group D match meant they advanced into the knockout stage after five previous unsuccessful attempts, with 2018 champions Uzbekistan their opponents on Saturday. 

Q-final cast complete

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Q-final cast complete

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ is all set for the knockout stage following the conclusion of the Group Stage on Wednesday.

Australia and China PR were the final teams to confirm their spots from Group D, joining the six other sides who had sealed their places earlier.

Group D: Iraq 1-2 Australia

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Group D: Iraq 1-2 Australia

Riyadh: Australia came from behind to defeat Iraq 2-1 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D tie on Wednesday.

Trailing to Ammori Faisal’s 63rd minute penalty, Australia hit back in added on time through Yaya Dukuly and Mathias Macallister to advance in stunning fashion, topping the group with six points and setting up a quarter-final encounter with Korea Republic on Saturday.

Group D: Thailand 0-0 China PR

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Group D: Thailand 0-0 China PR

Riyadh: China PR booked a long awaited-spot in the quarter-finals after playing out a goalless draw with Thailand in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D tie on Wednesday.

The East Asian side closed with five points to finish second behind Australia and advance for the first time in six appearances, with Group C winners Uzbekistan their opponents on Saturday.

UAE’s Broli targets improvements after securing progress

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

UAE’s Broli targets improvements after securing progress

Jeddah: Marcelo Broli had mixed emotions after his United Arab Emirates side booked their passage into the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

The 1-1 draw enabled UAE to finish second behind Japan in Group B but the head coach admitted he was puzzled how his team did not end up as winners.