News

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.

Morgan credits Australia’s resilience for historic victory

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Morgan credits Australia’s resilience for historic victory

Shenzhen: Head coach Trevor Morgan lauded his players' mental strength and character after Australia secured the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 title following a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Saudi Arabia in the final on Saturday.

Louis Agosti gave the Young Socceroos the lead in the 25th minute with Saudi Arabia equalising through Talal Haji just before half-time.

With the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, Australia held their nerve in the shootout with keeper Steven Hall stepping up to save Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick to claim their first ever title.

Soares tells Saudi Arabia players to hold heads high

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Soares tells Saudi Arabia players to hold heads high

Shenzhen: Saudi Arabia head coach Marco Soares said his players had no reason to be disappointed  despite their heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.

Talal Haji cancelled out Louis Agosti’s early opener for Australia but it was not to be for Saudi Arabia as they fell 5-4 in the penalty shootout, which meant having to continue their wait for a fourth title. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-|-final-australia-1-5-4-1-saudi-arabia

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. 

Uzbekistan's Urinboev scoops Top Scorer Award

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

Uzbekistan's Urinboev scoops Top Scorer Award

Shenzhen: Uzbekistan’s Mukhammadali Urinboev won the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Top Scorer Award on Saturday.

The forward edged out Korea Republic’s Kim Tae-won, who was also on four goals, by virtue of having played less minutes. Australian duo Luka Jovanovic and Musa Toure, and Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esmaeil Gholizadeh followed with three goals each.