الأخبار

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.

Know your team: Syria

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Syria

Jeddah: Syria will return to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ determined to make up for their absence from the last two editions.

After four straight appearances between 2013 and 2020, the West Asian side missed out in 2022 and 2024 but will head into Saudi Arabia 2026 with their confidence boosted after a sterling qualifying campaign. 

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates will relish the opportunity to reach new ground when the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 begins on January 6.

UAE have yet to go past the quarter-final stage and that will be the first target for this new generation of talent.

Know your team: Qatar

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Qatar

Jeddah: Qatar will be targeting the title at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ as they seek to translate consistent appearances at the Finals with success. 

After missing out in 2013, the West Asian side have featured in every edition but have never advanced to the title decider. 

Know your team: Japan

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Japan

Jeddah: Defending champions Japan will be determined to maintain their grip on the trophy when they compete in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The only team to have lifted the coveted trophy twice, Go Oiwa’s side will start as one of the favourites once again.

Know your team: Jordan

Sat, 20 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Jordan

Jeddah: Jordan will be confident that they can go all the way in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 after an impressive qualifying campaign.

Jordan topped Group A with ease - securing three wins with 19 goals scored and only one conceded.

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Jeddah: Kyrgyz Republic will be eager to make their inaugural AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Finals appearance a memorable one by hitting the ground running at Saudi Arabia 2026.

After six unsuccessful attempts, the Central Asian side finally broke through by topping their qualifying group to book a historic place at the continental tournament.

Know your team: Vietnam

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Vietnam

Jeddah: Vietnam will be striving to lift the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ trophy for the first time when they compete at Saudi Arabia 2026™.

A constant presence at the continental showpiece, the closest Vietnam have come to emerging champions was in 2018, when they lost to Uzbekistan in the final. 

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: A highly confident Saudi Arabia will aim to maximise home ground advantage in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia relinquished their title to Japan in 2024 edition but will head into the tournament on home soil in fine form, having lifted the Arab U23 Cup 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final on Tuesday.

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ will be played in four stadiums across two cities.

Jeddah and Riyadh will witness what promises to be high quality action with 32 matches to be played. The-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the four stadiums.