#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers to kick off with new format

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers to kick off with new format

Kuala Lumpur: The journey towards the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ begins on August 31 (Monday), 2026 with the first round of matches in the centralised Qualifiers.

Taking place for a 23rd time since being introduced in 1980, this iteration of the qualification pathway offers 15 berths at next year’s Finals and sees the maiden implementation of a two-tiered format.

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Thu, 28 May, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ Qualifiers are set to be a scintillating affair following the Official Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

To be staged between August 25 and September 6, 2026 in a centralised league system, these Qualifiers will feature the implementation of a new format as part of key reforms to the AFC’s youth competitions that were ratified earlier this year.

Designed to ensure more meaningful matches and opportunities for teams to compete against opponents of similar technical competency, a two-phase system featuring a promotion and relegation mechanism has been introduced.

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.

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.

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. 

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.