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.

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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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.