Preview - Group C: IR Iran v Lebanon

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v Lebanon

Riyadh:  While victory may not be enough, Islamic Republic of Iran will go for broke when they face Lebanon in their concluding AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C match on Tuesday.

Omid Ravankhah’s side’s chances will also hinge on the outcome of the Korea Republic and Uzbekistan tie - if there is an outright winner there and Iran also come out tops, both victors will advance.

The Central Asian side are on two points but regardless of the group outcome, head coach Ravankhah is confident his men have the advantage over Lebanon.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-saudi-arabia-2026-|-matchday-3-preview

Preview - Group C: Uzbekistan v Korea Republic

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group C: Uzbekistan v Korea Republic

Riyadh:  A superior goal difference gives Korea Republic the advantage but the East Asian side know they are in for the ultimate test when they face Uzbekistan in their final AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C match on Tuesday.

It will be a meeting between two former champions who know that a slip-up could see Islamic Republic of Iran - who face Lebanon - advancing to the quarter-finals. 

Preview - Group B: Japan v Qatar

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group B: Japan v Qatar

Jeddah: Japan will be aiming to complete a perfect group stage when they face Qatar in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group B tie on Tuesday.

Victories against Syria and United Arab Emirates mean Japan confirmed their place in the quarter-finals with a match to spare but head coach Go Oiwa confident his side can maintain their standards despite qualification already being secured.

Preview - Group B: UAE v Syria

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group B: UAE v Syria

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates and Syria know what is at stake when they face off in their final AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group B tie on Tuesday.

Both teams are on three points and will square off at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium looking to accompany Japan - who are confirmed Group B winners - to the quarter-finals.

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal surge clear; Al Gharafa, Al Ain in control

Mon, 12 Jan, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal surge clear; Al Gharafa, Al Ain in control

Doha: Al Hilal SFC opened a four-point gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League after Al Nassr Club suffered a second successive defeat.

Al Ain FC hold a four-point lead in the UAE Pro League while Al Gharafa SC are one better in Qatar. There were also matches in Bahrain, Iraq, Oman and Syria so join the-AFC.com in our review of the past week's domestic action across West Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Sailors lift Singapore Cup; Buriram, Persib stay in charge

Mon, 12 Jan, 2026

ASEAN Wrap: Sailors lift Singapore Cup; Buriram, Persib stay in charge

Kuala Lumpur: Lion City Sailors FC picked up their first silverware of the season by defeating Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Cup final.

Buriram United and Persib Bandung registered crucial victories in Thailand and Indonesia respectively to stay clear at the top.

In Malaysia, Johor Darul Ta’zim left it late to maintain their perfect record while the title race in Cambodia remained finely poised, so join the-AFC.com as we look back at another exciting week of action across ASEAN.