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Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates will relish the opportunity to reach new ground when the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 begins on January 6.

UAE have yet to go past the quarter-final stage and that will be the first target for this new generation of talent.

Year in Review: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan emerged champions of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™ after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the final.

It was Uzbekistan's second lift of the trophy, having also emerged champions in 2012.

Japan end 2025 on top

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Japan end 2025 on top

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will end 2025 firmly entrenched as Asia's top side following the latest FIFA World Ranking issued on Monday.

Asian sides who moved upwards were Jordan, Vietnam and Singapore while Qatar and Malaysia dropped four and five spots respectively.

Know your team: Qatar

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Qatar

Jeddah: Qatar will be targeting the title at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ as they seek to translate consistent appearances at the Finals with success. 

After missing out in 2013, the West Asian side have featured in every edition but have never advanced to the title decider. 

Year in Review: AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran emerged champions for a record fourth time after defeating Oman in the final of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™.

The two, together with Japan - who defeated Saudi Arabia in the third-place playoff - qualified for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.

Know your team: Japan

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Japan

Jeddah: Defending champions Japan will be determined to maintain their grip on the trophy when they compete in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The only team to have lifted the coveted trophy twice, Go Oiwa’s side will start as one of the favourites once again.

Year in Review: AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™

Sun, 21 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Australia emerged champions of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™ after a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Saudi Arabia in the final.

It was the Young Socceroos’ first title at the tournament and secured FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 qualification, with Saudi Arabia and losing semi-finalists Japan and Korea Republic also advancing to the global showpiece.

Know your team: Jordan

Sat, 20 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Jordan

Jeddah: Jordan will be confident that they can go all the way in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 after an impressive qualifying campaign.

Jordan topped Group A with ease - securing three wins with 19 goals scored and only one conceded.

Sellami: This is just a glimpse of Jordan’s future

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Sellami: This is just a glimpse of Jordan’s future

Lusail: Pride, rather than regret, dominated Jamal Sellami’s reflections of Jordan’s 3-2 defeat to Morocco in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final on Thursday.

In pushing Morocco to the limit, Sellami said his side showed their immense potential and that their journey is far from over.

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Jeddah: Kyrgyz Republic will be eager to make their inaugural AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Finals appearance a memorable one by hitting the ground running at Saudi Arabia 2026.

After six unsuccessful attempts, the Central Asian side finally broke through by topping their qualifying group to book a historic place at the continental tournament.

Valiant Jordan suffer final heartbreak

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Valiant Jordan suffer final heartbreak

Al Rayyan: Jordan gave it their best but it wasn’t enough as they went down 3-2 to Morocco in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final at the Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

An Ali Olwan brace saw Jordan come from behind to lead but Abderrazzaq Hamdallah’s double meant Morocco broke Jordan’s hearts to lift the trophy, with the pulsating final needing extra time for it to be settled.  

The third-place playoff between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, was abandoned due to inclement weather, with the relevant FIFA committee to decide on the outcome. 

Vietnam fight back to snatch gold from Thailand

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Vietnam fight back to snatch gold from Thailand

Bangkok: Vietnam stunningly came from 2-0 down to defeat Thailand 3-2 after extra-time in the 2025 Sea Games men's football final on Thursday.

The win meant Vietnam regained the gold medal they lost in the 2023 edition while Thailand's wait continues, having last emerged champions in 2017.

Malaysia took the bronze medal with a 2-1 victory against Philippines.

Photos

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates will relish the opportunity to reach new ground when the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 begins on January 6.

UAE have yet to go past the quarter-final stage and that will be the first target for this new generation of talent.

Year in Review: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan emerged champions of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™ after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the final.

It was Uzbekistan's second lift of the trophy, having also emerged champions in 2012.

Know your team: Qatar

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Qatar

Jeddah: Qatar will be targeting the title at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ as they seek to translate consistent appearances at the Finals with success. 

After missing out in 2013, the West Asian side have featured in every edition but have never advanced to the title decider. 

Year in Review: AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran emerged champions for a record fourth time after defeating Oman in the final of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™.

The two, together with Japan - who defeated Saudi Arabia in the third-place playoff - qualified for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.

Know your team: Japan

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Japan

Jeddah: Defending champions Japan will be determined to maintain their grip on the trophy when they compete in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The only team to have lifted the coveted trophy twice, Go Oiwa’s side will start as one of the favourites once again.

Year in Review: AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™

Sun, 21 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Australia emerged champions of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™ after a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Saudi Arabia in the final.

It was the Young Socceroos’ first title at the tournament and secured FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 qualification, with Saudi Arabia and losing semi-finalists Japan and Korea Republic also advancing to the global showpiece.

Know your team: Jordan

Sat, 20 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Jordan

Jeddah: Jordan will be confident that they can go all the way in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 after an impressive qualifying campaign.

Jordan topped Group A with ease - securing three wins with 19 goals scored and only one conceded.

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Jeddah: Kyrgyz Republic will be eager to make their inaugural AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Finals appearance a memorable one by hitting the ground running at Saudi Arabia 2026.

After six unsuccessful attempts, the Central Asian side finally broke through by topping their qualifying group to book a historic place at the continental tournament.

Know your team: Vietnam

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Vietnam

Jeddah: Vietnam will be striving to lift the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ trophy for the first time when they compete at Saudi Arabia 2026™.

A constant presence at the continental showpiece, the closest Vietnam have come to emerging champions was in 2018, when they lost to Uzbekistan in the final. 

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: A highly confident Saudi Arabia will aim to maximise home ground advantage in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia relinquished their title to Japan in 2024 edition but will head into the tournament on home soil in fine form, having lifted the Arab U23 Cup 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final on Tuesday.

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is beginning to feel real — and before the first whistle blows, fans get to take charge with the #WAC2026 Dream XI. Build your ultimate team from a curated pool where generational legends meet the next wave of stars. 

Goalkeeper? Sorted. Time for the backline. Three defenders who can organise, disrupt, lead and inspire. From penalty-box generals to flying wide defenders, your nominees are ready. 

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ will be played in four stadiums across two cities.

Jeddah and Riyadh will witness what promises to be high quality action with 32 matches to be played. The-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the four stadiums.

Videos

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates will relish the opportunity to reach new ground when the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 begins on January 6.

UAE have yet to go past the quarter-final stage and that will be the first target for this new generation of talent.

Year in Review: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan emerged champions of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™ after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the final.

It was Uzbekistan's second lift of the trophy, having also emerged champions in 2012.

Know your team: Qatar

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Qatar

Jeddah: Qatar will be targeting the title at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ as they seek to translate consistent appearances at the Finals with success. 

After missing out in 2013, the West Asian side have featured in every edition but have never advanced to the title decider. 

Year in Review: AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran emerged champions for a record fourth time after defeating Oman in the final of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™.

The two, together with Japan - who defeated Saudi Arabia in the third-place playoff - qualified for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.

Know your team: Japan

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Japan

Jeddah: Defending champions Japan will be determined to maintain their grip on the trophy when they compete in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The only team to have lifted the coveted trophy twice, Go Oiwa’s side will start as one of the favourites once again.

Year in Review: AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™

Sun, 21 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Australia emerged champions of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™ after a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Saudi Arabia in the final.

It was the Young Socceroos’ first title at the tournament and secured FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 qualification, with Saudi Arabia and losing semi-finalists Japan and Korea Republic also advancing to the global showpiece.

Know your team: Jordan

Sat, 20 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Jordan

Jeddah: Jordan will be confident that they can go all the way in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 after an impressive qualifying campaign.

Jordan topped Group A with ease - securing three wins with 19 goals scored and only one conceded.

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Jeddah: Kyrgyz Republic will be eager to make their inaugural AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Finals appearance a memorable one by hitting the ground running at Saudi Arabia 2026.

After six unsuccessful attempts, the Central Asian side finally broke through by topping their qualifying group to book a historic place at the continental tournament.

Know your team: Vietnam

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Vietnam

Jeddah: Vietnam will be striving to lift the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ trophy for the first time when they compete at Saudi Arabia 2026™.

A constant presence at the continental showpiece, the closest Vietnam have come to emerging champions was in 2018, when they lost to Uzbekistan in the final. 

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: A highly confident Saudi Arabia will aim to maximise home ground advantage in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia relinquished their title to Japan in 2024 edition but will head into the tournament on home soil in fine form, having lifted the Arab U23 Cup 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final on Tuesday.

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is beginning to feel real — and before the first whistle blows, fans get to take charge with the #WAC2026 Dream XI. Build your ultimate team from a curated pool where generational legends meet the next wave of stars. 

Goalkeeper? Sorted. Time for the backline. Three defenders who can organise, disrupt, lead and inspire. From penalty-box generals to flying wide defenders, your nominees are ready. 

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ will be played in four stadiums across two cities.

Jeddah and Riyadh will witness what promises to be high quality action with 32 matches to be played. The-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the four stadiums.