AFC U23 Asian Cup - Latest News AR

#AFCU23 - Players who caught the eye

Tue, 27 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 - Players who caught the eye

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ delivered a showcase of emerging talents, as Asia’s rising stars left their mark at every stage of the continental showpiece.

Lethal finishers, midfield maestros and shot-stopping goalkeepers were on display and the-AFC.com highlights several players who lit up the continental showpiece.

#AFCU23 - Saudi Arabia 2026 in numbers

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 - Saudi Arabia 2026 in numbers

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ concluded with Japan defeating China PR in the final on Saturday.

It was a tournament that lived up to expectations with exciting action from the first to the final blow of the whistle.

The-AFC.com picks out several facts and figures that caught the eye.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-final-china-pr-0-4-japan

Oiwa: Japan are on the right track

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Oiwa: Japan are on the right track

Jeddah: Head coach Go Oiwa believes Japan’s development programmes are doing their job after guiding his team to a 4-0 victory over China PR in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The triumph made Japan the first team to successfully defend the crown and lift the trophy for a third time, with Oiwa having also steered them to glory two years ago.

We tried but couldn’t challenge, admits China PR’s Puche

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

We tried but couldn’t challenge, admits China PR’s Puche

Jeddah: China PR left Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium dejected on Saturday, their dream of lifting a maiden title having been ended by a 4-0 defeat to Japan in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final.

In a thoroughly dominant performance by Japan, China PR’s challenge was as good as over following a 2-0 deficit at half time, with head coach Antonio Puche admitting his side had been out-thought and out-played. 

Japan’s Sato receives MVP honour

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan’s Sato receives MVP honour

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato was named the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ MVP following Japan’s 4-0 win against China PR in the final on Saturday.

The midfielder was influential throughout the tournament, featuring in all six matches as Japan became not only the first team to win back-to-back titles but also extend their record of triumphs to three. 

Vietnam’s Dinh Bac takes Top Scorer award

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Vietnam’s Dinh Bac takes Top Scorer award

Jeddah: Vietnam’s Nguyen Dinh Bac scooped the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Top Scorer award after a sterling campaign for the Southeast Asian side.

The team captain netted four goals and two assists as Vietnam finished third following their penalty shootout win against Korea Republic on Friday.

Japan's Araki named Best Goalkeeper

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan's Araki named Best Goalkeeper

Jeddah: Japan's Rui Araki was named the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Best Goalkeeper after playing a pivotal role in his side lifting the trophy for a record-extending third time on Saturday.

The Gamba Osaka custodian, who had three clean sheets enroute to the final, produced a sparkling display to keep China PR at bay in the final.

Japan power past China PR to clinch third title

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan power past China PR to clinch third title

Jeddah: Japan were at their scintillating best as they cruised 4-0 past China PR in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium on Saturday.

A brace from Kosei Ogura and strikes from Yuto Ozeki and Ryunosuke Sato meant Japan became the first team to defend the title and lift the coveted trophy for a third time.

It was heartbreak for China PR, who were looking to cap their amazing run at Saudi Arabia 2026 with the title but found Japan simply too hot on the night. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/photo/final-china-pr-v-japan

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-3rd-place-playoff-vietnam-2-7-6-2-korea-republic

Vietnam’s determination, resilience make Kim proud

Sat, 24 Jan, 2026

Vietnam’s determination, resilience make Kim proud

Jeddah: Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik lauded his team’s spirited performance after the Southeast Asian side edged Korea Republic on penalties to finish third in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Friday.

Despite being reduced to 10 men following captain Nguyen Dinh Bac’s red card, Vietnam held out for a 2-2 draw before winning the penalty shootout 7-6, with goalkeeper Cao Van Bình denying Bae Hyun-seo’s spot-kick to ensure his side finished on a high note following their semi-final disappointment.