#AFCU23 - Group Stage in numbers

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 - Group Stage in numbers

Jeddah: The group stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ concluded on Wednesday and it - as expected - lived up to expectations.

As the remaining eight teams gear up for the quarter-finals, the-AFC.com highlights several facts and figures that caught the eye.

Preview - Q-final: Japan v Jordan

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Japan v Jordan

Jeddah: Jordan’s defensive resolve will be tested to the fullest when they face defending champions Japan in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-finals on Friday.

While Jordan had to work hard to finish second in Group A to book their quarter-final spot, Japan breezed past their challengers in Group B with three victories.  

Preview - Q-final: Vietnam v UAE

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Vietnam v UAE

Jeddah: Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates will head into their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-final on Friday equally confident of advancing to the next stage.

While Kim Sang-sik expects his Vietnam side to continue their impressive group stage form, UAE’s Marcelo Broli is optimistic his players will rise to the occasion and advance to the semi-finals for the first time.

Vietnam topped Group A with a perfect record of three wins while UAE had to fend off a strong Syria to advance as the Group B runners-up.

Nagano, Kalbouneh equally confident of advancing

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Nagano, Kalbouneh equally confident of advancing

Jeddah: Shuto Nagano believes Japan’s confidence will carry them through while Jordan’s Baker Kalbouneh reckons Jordan’s teamwork will be their strength when the sides clash in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-finals on Friday. 

Japan cruised to the Group B top spot with three wins while Jordan showed grit to bounce back from an opening day defeat to advance as the Group A runners-up. 

Experience to guide Vietnam’s Khuat; Al Memari promises focused UAE

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Experience to guide Vietnam’s Khuat; Al Memari promises focused UAE

Jeddah: Khuat Van Khang is banking on his experience while United Arab Emirates’ Ali Al Memari believes focus will be his team’s strength when the sides meet in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-finals on Friday.

Khuat featured for Vietnam in the quarter-finals of the 2022 and 2024 editions of the continental showpiece while Al Memari said UAE are determined to make the semi-finals for the first time. 

#AWCL Knockout Stage draw produces sizzlers

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

#AWCL Knockout Stage draw produces sizzlers

Kuala Lumpur: The eight teams discovered the road to glory following the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ Knockout Stage Draw on Thursday.

The action will kick off with the single leg quarter-finals, which will be played on March 28 and 29, 2026.