Former Champions 
Previously known as the AFC U16 Championship, the 2023 Finals will feature eight former champions, including most recent winners Japan (1994, 2006, 2018). The other past winners competing are China PR (1992, 2004), Islamic Republic of Iran (2008), Iraq (2016), Korea Republic (1986, 2002), Saudi Arabia (1985, 1988), Uzbekistan (2012) and Qatar (1990).

Goals Galore
There were 344 goals scored in the 70 matches played in the Qualifiers.

Unbeaten record
Japan, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Vietnam, Australia, Tajikistan, Iran and Uzbekistan won their respective qualifying groups unbeaten.  

Defensive prowess
Japan (Group A), Yemen (Group E), Vietnam (Group F), and Tajikistan (Group H) displayed steely defensive performances in the Qualifiers, securing their places in the Finals without conceding even once.

Powerhitters 
Australia scored a remarkable 36 goals in their three Qualifiers Group G matches. China PR netted 21 in the same group.

Goal poachers
Forwards Nestory Irankunda of Australia and China PR’s Wang Yudong were the top scorers of the Qualifiers with eight goals each.

Hat-trick hot shots
Eleven hat-tricks were scored in the Qualifiers with three different players doing so for Australia and Islamic Republic of Iran.

Four
The June 15-July 2 tournament featuring the next generation of stars will also offer four spots to the FIFA U17 World Cup 2023.