#AFCU23 - Saudi Arabia 2026 in numbers

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 - Saudi Arabia 2026 in numbers

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ concluded with Japan defeating China PR in the final on Saturday.

It was a tournament that lived up to expectations with exciting action from the first to the final blow of the whistle.

The-AFC.com picks out several facts and figures that caught the eye.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3152408

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3152410

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3152412

Oiwa: Japan are on the right track

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Oiwa: Japan are on the right track

Jeddah: Head coach Go Oiwa believes Japan’s development programmes are doing their job after guiding his team to a 4-0 victory over China PR in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The triumph made Japan the first team to successfully defend the crown and lift the trophy for a third time, with Oiwa having also steered them to glory two years ago.

We tried but couldn’t challenge, admits China PR’s Puche

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

We tried but couldn’t challenge, admits China PR’s Puche

Jeddah: China PR left Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium dejected on Saturday, their dream of lifting a maiden title having been ended by a 4-0 defeat to Japan in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final.

In a thoroughly dominant performance by Japan, China PR’s challenge was as good as over following a 2-0 deficit at half time, with head coach Antonio Puche admitting his side had been out-thought and out-played. 

Japan’s Sato receives MVP honour

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan’s Sato receives MVP honour

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato was named the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ MVP following Japan’s 4-0 win against China PR in the final on Saturday.

The midfielder was influential throughout the tournament, featuring in all six matches as Japan became not only the first team to win back-to-back titles but also extend their record of triumphs to three. 

Vietnam’s Dinh Bac takes Top Scorer award

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Vietnam’s Dinh Bac takes Top Scorer award

Jeddah: Vietnam’s Nguyen Dinh Bac scooped the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Top Scorer award after a sterling campaign for the Southeast Asian side.

The team captain netted four goals and two assists as Vietnam finished third following their penalty shootout win against Korea Republic on Friday.

Japan's Araki named Best Goalkeeper

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan's Araki named Best Goalkeeper

Jeddah: Japan's Rui Araki was named the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Best Goalkeeper after playing a pivotal role in his side lifting the trophy for a record-extending third time on Saturday.

The Gamba Osaka custodian, who had three clean sheets enroute to the final, produced a sparkling display to keep China PR at bay in the final.