Shaikh Salman reinforces confidence in Asian contenders

Tue, 23 Sep, 2025

Shaikh Salman reinforces confidence in Asian contenders

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has underlined his faith in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Korea Republic to shine as the attention shifts towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, which kicks off on Saturday.

The four AFC representatives will aim to surpass the Continent’s best second-place performances in 1981 (Qatar), 1999 (Japan) and 2019 (Korea Republic) at the global youth showpiece, which has paved the way for some of Asia’s finest talents to break through, including reigning AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif and 2019 Golden Ball winner Lee Kang-in.

Challengers determined for Asia's hopefuls

Fri, 30 May, 2025

Challengers determined for Asia's hopefuls

Santiago: Asia's four representatives discovered their FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 opponents following the official draw in Santiago on Thursday.

The 24 teams were divided into six groups, with the tournament to be contested on September 27-October 19, 2025.

China 2025: Facts & Figures

Mon, 03 Mar, 2025

China 2025: Facts & Figures

Shenzhen: After three weeks of scintillating action, the curtains came down on the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 on Saturday.

Australia defeated Saudi Arabia to lift the trophy at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium to cap a memorable tournament for the Young Socceroos.

As Asia's rising stars look to utilise the experience gained to further progress their careers, the-AFC.com presents some interesting facts and figures from the memorable tournament.

Hall save secures Australia maiden title

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Hall save secures Australia maiden title

Shenzhen: Steven Hall was the star as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.

With the final ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Hall saved Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick   as Australia won their first title.

It was heartbreak for Saudi Arabia, who were seeking to emerge champions for a fourth time.  

Australia's Badolato named MVP

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

Australia's Badolato named MVP

Shenzhen: Alex Badolato of Australia was named the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Most Valuable Player for his outstanding performances that helped Australia clinch the title on Saturday.

Badolato was instrumental throughout the campaign, which saw Australia lifting the title for the first time after defeating Saudi Arabia 5-4 in the final on penalties, following a 1-1 score after extra time on Saturday.