News

AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers Draw Results & Match Schedule

Japan to host AFC U23 Asian Cup 2028™

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

Japan to host AFC U23 Asian Cup 2028™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee officially ratified a series of major hosting and regulatory decisions, including the confirmation of Japan as the host of the 2028 edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™, which will serve as Asia’s qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.

Japan secured the hosting rights following a competitive bidding process that included submissions from Jordan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Qatar, and Uzbekistan as well as the United Arab Emirates, who subsequently withdrew earlier this year.

#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.

Battles to be unveiled for #AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers

Tue, 12 May, 2026

Battles to be unveiled for #AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The first step towards earning a coveted spot at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ will be taken with the Qualifiers Draw on May 28 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A cast of 44 teams are set to participate in the Qualifiers, which will take place for the 23rd occasion since first being implemented for the 1980 edition of the tournament.

AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Archive

Key reforms to youth competitions recommended

Sat, 24 Jan, 2026

Key reforms to youth competitions recommended

Jeddah: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment towards elevating the standards of its top-level competitions, as outlined in its Vision and Mission, marked a significant milestone today after the AFC Competitions Committee recommended measures aimed at further enhancing the Confederation’s youth competitions at its fifth meeting held in Saudi Arabia.

Led by Chairperson Dr Tran Quoc Tuan, the Committee took the opportunity to wish the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ finalists – China PR and Japan – the very best of success ahead of today’s decider at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah and applauded the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for their impeccable hosting capabilities.

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 PR to host AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027™

Thu, 04 Dec, 2025

China PR to host AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee ratified on Wednesday the AFC Competitions Committee’s recommendation to award the hosting rights of the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027™ to the Chinese Football Association.

First held in 1959, the 2027 showpiece will mark the competition’s 43rd edition with China PR, the sole bidders, set to provide the backdrop for Asia’s top 16 sides for a second consecutive occasion following the success of the 2025 iteration, which was held in Shenzhen from February 12 to March 1 this year.

Vote for your Best AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Goal

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

Vote for your Best AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Goal

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 drew to a conclusion on Saturday, March 1 with Australia crowned the new champions after defeating Saudi Arabia on penalties in the final. 

As many as 93 goals were scored in just 31 matches as Asia’s next generation of talent delivered a tournament to remember. 

Following the final in Shenzhen, the-AFC.com picks 10 of the best strikes from across the competition. Check out the goals and don’t forget to vote for your favourite at the foot of the article! 

Play the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Fan-Voted Top Players and win!

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

Play the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Fan-Voted Top Players and win!

Kuala Lumpur: After the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 drew to a close following the final in Shenzhen on March 1, we’re giving you the chance to also win big by taking part in our Fan-Voted Top Players contest.  

By visiting the-AFC.com or the AFC Live App, participants can select their favourite player who lit up the tournament from each of the four positions – goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward – between March 3 and 10.  
    
One lucky participant, whose selections closely align with the most popular player choices from all users across all positions, will be declared the winner after the conclusion of the competition.   

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.

Shaikh Salman praises Australia on clinching maiden Continental crown

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Shaikh Salman praises Australia on clinching maiden Continental crown

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Australia on securing their first-ever AFC U20 Asian Cup™ title after defeating three-time winners Saudi Arabia on penalties in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium in Shenzhen on Saturday.

With the final ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Steven Hall was the star after saving Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties.