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News

#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.

Preview: Semi-finals

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

Preview: Semi-finals

Doha: The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 semi-finals are set to be thrilling affairs with three Asian sides looking to lift the coveted trophy.

Standing in their way are Morocco, who are aiming to keep the trophy in Africa following the elimination of defending champions Algeria in the quarter-finals.

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 is just weeks away and excitement is building.

As the teams get set for what promises to be thrilling action, the-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to test your knowledge of a tournament that has never failed to excite.

#AFCU23: 2024 revisited

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2024 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ returned to Qatar in 2024, with the West Asian nation having also hosted the 2016 edition.

As we rapidly approach the 2026 edition to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, the-AFC.com concludes its look back at previous editions of the tournament by shining the spotlight on what proved to be a historical championship in 2024.

Q-final: Almeqbali stars as UAE dethrone Algeria

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

Q-final: Almeqbali stars as UAE dethrone Algeria

Al Khor: Goalkeeper Hamad Almeqbali was the hero as United Arab Emirates edged Algeria 7-6 on penalties after their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 quarter-final ended 1-1 at the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.

Almeqbali saved Algeria’s second and eighth spot-kicks, with Richard Akonnor netting the winner as UAE dethroned the defending champions and set up a semi-final showdown with Morocco on Monday. 

Q-final: Jordan hold off Iraq to advance

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

Q-final: Jordan hold off Iraq to advance

Al Rayyan: Jordan staved off a spirited fightback attempt from Iraq to secure a 1-0 win in their FIFA Arab Cup 2025 quarter-final at Education City Stadium on Friday.

The result meant that Jordan set up a tantalising semi-final meeting with Saudi Arabia - who defeated Palestine 2-1 - on Monday.

#AFCU23: 2022 revisited

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2022 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ is fast approaching with the 16 teams in the final phase of preparations for the continental showpiece.

As we edge closer to the tournament, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the 2022 edition.

Q-final: Kanno strike sends Saudi Arabia through

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

Q-final: Kanno strike sends Saudi Arabia through

Lusail: Mohamed Kanno’s extra-time header earned Saudi Arabia a 2-1 win against gutsy Palestine in their FIFA Arab Cup 2025 quarter-final tie on Thursday.

Herve Renard’s side were pushed to the limit before finding the winner at Lusail Stadium - the same venue where they stunned eventual champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - and will next face either Jordan or Iraq in Monday’s semi-finals.

Q-final: Morocco end Syria's run

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

Q-final: Morocco end Syria's run

Al Rayyan: Syria’s FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 campaign came to an end after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Morocco in their quarter-final tie at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday.

After a listless opening half, Morocco scored the winner in the 79th minute through substitute Azaro Oualid to send the African side into a semi-final showdown with either defending champions Algeria or United Arab Emirates.

Japan stay top; Uzbekistan, Vietnam on the rise

Thu, 11 Dec, 2025

Japan stay top; Uzbekistan, Vietnam on the rise

Kuala Lumpur:  Japan remained Asia’s highest-ranked side after consolidating eighth place in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking released on Thursday.

Uzbekistan recorded the highest jump, moving three spots to 49, having posted back-to-back wins against Islamic Republic of Iran and the Philippines. 

Palestine (126th) also impressed  during the international friendly windows.

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Thu, 11 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: With the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicking off in a matter of weeks, we continue our look back at the previous editions of the tournament.

The focus on the latest installment of the series is the 2020 edition, which also offered three spots to the Tokyo Olympics. 

Preview: Quarter-finals

Wed, 10 Dec, 2025

Preview: Quarter-finals

Doha: Hopes are high that an Asian team will lift the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 after six of the continent's representatives advanced to the quarter-finals.

United Arab Emirates were the final Asian side to confirm their last eight spot, joining Palestine, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq.

Ahead of the quarter-finals which will be played on Thursday and Friday, the-AFC.com takes a look at the match-ups.

Photos

#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.

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 is just weeks away and excitement is building.

As the teams get set for what promises to be thrilling action, the-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to test your knowledge of a tournament that has never failed to excite.

#AFCU23: 2024 revisited

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2024 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ returned to Qatar in 2024, with the West Asian nation having also hosted the 2016 edition.

As we rapidly approach the 2026 edition to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, the-AFC.com concludes its look back at previous editions of the tournament by shining the spotlight on what proved to be a historical championship in 2024.

#AFCU23: 2022 revisited

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2022 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ is fast approaching with the 16 teams in the final phase of preparations for the continental showpiece.

As we edge closer to the tournament, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the 2022 edition.

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Thu, 11 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: With the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicking off in a matter of weeks, we continue our look back at the previous editions of the tournament.

The focus on the latest installment of the series is the 2020 edition, which also offered three spots to the Tokyo Olympics. 

#AFCU23: 2018 revisited

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2018 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: As we edge closer to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™, we continue our flashback of a tournament that has never failed to thrill. 

Having taken a look at the 2013 and 2016 editions, we shift out focus to the 2018 edition that was played under challenging conditions in China PR.

#AFCU23: 2016 revisited

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2016 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: As the countdown to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ gathers pace, we continue our trip down memory lane of a tournament that has witnessed the rise of many of the continent's standout players.

Having looked at the 2013 edition won by Iraq, we shift our attention to the 2016 tournament which was hosted by Qatar.  

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Sydney: Twelve teams will head to Australia next year seeking ultimate glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To warm up, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI lets football fans pick 11 of their favourite players from a pool of all-time greats and rising stars. 

We begin where titles so often tilt: the goalkeeper's spot.

You're choosing the last line of defence for your Dream XI—presence, poise and big-match nerve required. From an era-defining icon to a modern-day hero, here are the five nominees. 

#AFCU23: 2013 revisited

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2013 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ is set to kick off in Saudi Arabia on January 6 as 16 teams converge on the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh with some of the hottest prospects in Asian football set to be on show.

Stars such as Takumi Minamino, Alireza Beiranvand, Hwang Hee-chan, Chanathip Songkrasin and Almoez Ali are among the big names to have featured in a competition that has delivered numerous magical moments over the years. 

To whet the appetite ahead of one of the Asian Football Confederation’s showpiece tournaments, we look back at the previous editions of the AFC U23 Asian Cup - starting with 2013.

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on January 6 with 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.

As the teams enter their final phase of preparations and excitement begins to build, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures of the tournament.

Draw: What they said

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Draw: What they said

Washington: Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw revealed the challenges Asia’s finest will face in the expanded global showpiece next summer.

It was a draw which had everything and the Asian teams were understandably excited as they began to lay plans for their respective sides.

The-AFC.com listened to what they had to say.

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Washington: Asia's representatives learnt their FIFA World Cup 2026 challengers following the conclusion of the draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Friday.

The 48 teams were drawn into 12 groups for the global showpiece which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States on June 11-July 19, 2026.

Videos

#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.

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 is just weeks away and excitement is building.

As the teams get set for what promises to be thrilling action, the-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to test your knowledge of a tournament that has never failed to excite.

#AFCU23: 2024 revisited

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2024 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ returned to Qatar in 2024, with the West Asian nation having also hosted the 2016 edition.

As we rapidly approach the 2026 edition to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, the-AFC.com concludes its look back at previous editions of the tournament by shining the spotlight on what proved to be a historical championship in 2024.

#AFCU23: 2022 revisited

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2022 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ is fast approaching with the 16 teams in the final phase of preparations for the continental showpiece.

As we edge closer to the tournament, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the 2022 edition.

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Thu, 11 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: With the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicking off in a matter of weeks, we continue our look back at the previous editions of the tournament.

The focus on the latest installment of the series is the 2020 edition, which also offered three spots to the Tokyo Olympics. 

#AFCU23: 2018 revisited

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2018 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: As we edge closer to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™, we continue our flashback of a tournament that has never failed to thrill. 

Having taken a look at the 2013 and 2016 editions, we shift out focus to the 2018 edition that was played under challenging conditions in China PR.

#AFCU23: 2016 revisited

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2016 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: As the countdown to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ gathers pace, we continue our trip down memory lane of a tournament that has witnessed the rise of many of the continent's standout players.

Having looked at the 2013 edition won by Iraq, we shift our attention to the 2016 tournament which was hosted by Qatar.  

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Sydney: Twelve teams will head to Australia next year seeking ultimate glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To warm up, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI lets football fans pick 11 of their favourite players from a pool of all-time greats and rising stars. 

We begin where titles so often tilt: the goalkeeper's spot.

You're choosing the last line of defence for your Dream XI—presence, poise and big-match nerve required. From an era-defining icon to a modern-day hero, here are the five nominees. 

#AFCU23: 2013 revisited

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2013 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ is set to kick off in Saudi Arabia on January 6 as 16 teams converge on the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh with some of the hottest prospects in Asian football set to be on show.

Stars such as Takumi Minamino, Alireza Beiranvand, Hwang Hee-chan, Chanathip Songkrasin and Almoez Ali are among the big names to have featured in a competition that has delivered numerous magical moments over the years. 

To whet the appetite ahead of one of the Asian Football Confederation’s showpiece tournaments, we look back at the previous editions of the AFC U23 Asian Cup - starting with 2013.

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on January 6 with 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.

As the teams enter their final phase of preparations and excitement begins to build, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures of the tournament.

Draw: What they said

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Draw: What they said

Washington: Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw revealed the challenges Asia’s finest will face in the expanded global showpiece next summer.

It was a draw which had everything and the Asian teams were understandably excited as they began to lay plans for their respective sides.

The-AFC.com listened to what they had to say.

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Washington: Asia's representatives learnt their FIFA World Cup 2026 challengers following the conclusion of the draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Friday.

The 48 teams were drawn into 12 groups for the global showpiece which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States on June 11-July 19, 2026.