AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia™ Technical Report available now

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia™ Technical Report available now

Kuala Lumpur: The technical report for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ is now available on the-AFC.com, capturing the key highlights from the seventh and final non-Olympic edition of the competition.

Taking place across the host cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, the 2026 iteration saw Japan clinch their third title after beating China PR in the Final.

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#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.

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.