Japan’s historic triumph applauded by Shaikh Salman

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan’s historic triumph applauded by Shaikh Salman

Jeddah: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated Japan for securing a record-extending third AFC U23 Asian Cup™ title after the young Samurai Blue defeated China PR 4-0 in a riveting final at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

Kosei Ogura’s brace and a goal apiece from Yuto Ozeki and Ryunosuke Sato sealed Japan's victory, making them the first team to defend the title and lift the coveted trophy for a third time.

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. 

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.

Vietnam edge Korea Republic on penalties to finish third

Sat, 24 Jan, 2026

Vietnam edge Korea Republic on penalties to finish third

Jeddah: Vietnam defeated Korea Republic 7-6 on penalties to secure third place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Friday.

In a thrilling tie which ended 2-2 after extra time, Nguyen Quoc Viet’s opener was cancelled out by Kim Tae-won with Nguyen Dinh Bac then restoring the Southeast Asian side’s lead.

The Vietnam captain was, however, sent off late in the game, with Korea Republic equalising through Shin Min-ha deep into added on time to force an additional 30 minutes and the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Cao Van Bình saving the seventh spot-kick to secure third place for his side. 

New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ brand built to inspire

Thu, 22 Jan, 2026

New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ brand built to inspire

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ today revealed the new brand identity for the 19th edition of Asia’s crown jewel, with less than a year to kick-off.

Designed to feel confident, contemporary and full of energy, and shaped by a vision to inspire the next generation of footballers and fans across the Continent, the bold and contemporary visual identity reflects the unique spirit and culture of the hosts, while also celebrating the unifying power of Asian football.