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.

Group B: Japan 5-0 Syria

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato’s brace powered defending champions Japan to a 5-0 win over Syria in their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026™ Group B opener on Wednesday.

Group B: Qatar 0-2 UAE

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates emerged 2-0 winners against Qatar to get their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ campaign off to a fine start on Wednesday. 

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.

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.

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.