Broli hails UAE’s response in Qatar win

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Broli hails UAE’s response in Qatar win

Jeddah: Marcelo Broli was delighted to witness his United Arab Emirates side show the right type of response in their opening AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group B tie on Wednesday.

Conceding a penalty to Qatar in the opening minute wasn’t what Broli had planned but Khaled Tawhid’s save and the manner in which UAE took control of the match after that to win 2-0 gave the head coach plenty to smile about.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-group-b-qatar-0-2-uae

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3147962

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3147964

Five-star Japan make Oiwa proud

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Five-star Japan make Oiwa proud

Jeddah: Head coach Go Oiwa hailed a polished team performance as defending champions Japan sent an early warning to their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ rivals on Wednesday.

Japan adopted a patient approach early in their Group B opener against Syria before upping their tempo to cruise to a 5-0 win, much to Oiwa’s delight. 

Mixed feelings for Korea Republic’s Lee, IR Iran’s Ravankhah

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Mixed feelings for Korea Republic’s Lee, IR Iran’s Ravankhah

Riyadh:  Korea Republic head coach Lee Min-sung and his Islamic Republic of Iran counterpart Omid Ravankhah were pleased yet disappointed after their sides drew 0-0 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C opener on Wednesday.

Both teams struggled to find a way through, managing just one shot on target each as Uzbekistan took charge of the group after their 3-2 win against Lebanon.

Preview - Group D: Iraq v China PR

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group D: Iraq v China PR

Riyadh: Iraq head coach Emad Mohammed believes his team will be among the contenders at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ despite facing pre-tournament difficulties.

The 2013 champions, who take on China PR in their Group D opener on Thursday, arrived late for the showpiece due to the club commitments of their players.

Preview - Group D: Australia v Thailand

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group D: Australia v Thailand

Riyadh: Tony Vidmar has challenged his Australia side to live up to their billing when they take on Thailand in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D opener on Thursday.

Despite a short period for preparation, the tactician is optimistic that Australia can make a winning start in the competition against Thailand who he acknowledged would be tough opponents.

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your forwards

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your forwards

Kuala Lumpur: You are almost there. One final decision remains: Strikers to complete your Dream XI after you've selected your Goalkeeper, Defenders and Midfielders. 

Twelve teams will head to Australia in March for ultimate glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™. To warm up, the Dream XI gives fans the chance to pick 11 of your favourite players, from all-time greats to modern icons.

The poacher. The Finisher. The assassin who turns half-chances into history.

Here are the nominees for Dream Forwards.