#AFCU23 Final Draw to set up Saudi Arabia 2026 battles

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

#AFCU23 Final Draw to set up Saudi Arabia 2026 battles

Kuala Lumpur: With three months to kick-off, the stage is set for the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Final Draw to take place on October 2 (Thursday) at 3pm.

To be held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, the ceremony will divide the 16-strong final cast into four groups for the seventh edition of the tournament that is scheduled to commence on January 6, 2026.

Saudi Arabia 2026 cast finalised

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Saudi Arabia 2026 cast finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 following the conclusion of the Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Fifteen teams - the 11 group winners and four best runners-up overall - booked their tickets to join hosts and 2022 champions Saudi Arabia at the Finals, scheduled for January 7 to 25, 2026.

The cast includes all five previous winners of the continental showpiece with Kyrgyz Republic and Lebanon set to make their debuts at the Finals.

Iraq’s Mohammed relieved after securing Finals berth

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Iraq’s Mohammed relieved after securing Finals berth

Phnom Penh: Iraq head coach Emad Mohammed expressed joy at meeting his side’s objective despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Cambodia in their final AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group G tie on Tuesday.

The draw sealed 2013 champions Iraq the Group G top spot and a place in the Official Draw on October 2. 

Edmar dedicates qualification to Kyrgyz fans

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Edmar dedicates qualification to Kyrgyz fans

Bishkek: Head coach Edmar de Lacerda was over the moon after guiding Kyrgyz Republic to a historic berth at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 on Tuesday.

Kyrgyz Republic defeated Sri Lanka 6-0 to top Group E on seven points, finishing ahead of Central Asian rivals Uzbekistan on superior goal difference to secure their first Finals appearance after seven attempts.

Vidmar, Vicente pleased to have met target

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Vidmar, Vicente pleased to have met target

Xi’an: Tony Vidmar and Antonio Vicente expressed satisfaction after guiding Australia and China PR respectively to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 following a goalless draw on Tuesday.

The stalemate saw Australia qualify as the Group D winners while China PR secured their place by finishing as one of the four best runners-up across the 11 qualifying groups.

Broli: UAE showed fighting spirit against IR Iran

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Broli: UAE showed fighting spirit against IR Iran

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Marcelo Broli praised his players’ resilience despite a 3-2 defeat to Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday, a result that still secured the West Asian side’s place at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026.

Iran’s first-half blitz in Abu Dhabi ensured they topped Group I to return to the Finals after missing the 2024 edition, while UAE advanced as one of the four best runners-up.

Qualifiers - Matchday Three: Results & Reports

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Qualifiers - Matchday Three: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 was finalised following the conclusion of the Qualifiers on Tuesday.

The 11 group winners and four best runners-up overall join hosts Saudi Arabia at the Finals, which will be played on January 7 to 25, 2026.
 
The draw is scheduled for October 2, 2025 so stay with the-AFC.com for all the latest news.