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.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3144100

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_|_japan_1_-_0_uzbekistan.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3144103

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3144105

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: Stars who have shone

Mon, 15 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: Stars who have shone

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ has a history of showcasing some of the brightest talents on the continent as the players on display look to continue their rise to prominence.

Many of those who have stood out for their countries over the years have gone on to become key performers for their senior national teams and represent some of the biggest clubs in Asia and beyond.

As the seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup approaches its kick-off on January 6, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the other big names to have graced the tournament.