Group C: IR Iran 0-1 Lebanon

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Group C: IR Iran 0-1 Lebanon

Riyadh: Leonardo Shahin scored from the spot to give Lebanon a 1-0 win over Islamic Republic of Iran in their concluding AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C match on Tuesday.

Lebanon’s first win of their campaign dashed Iran’s hopes of making the quarter-finals as the Central Asian side finished bottom of the standings on two points, with Uzbekistan and Korea Republic advancing. 

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3149420

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3149422

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/photo/group-c-ir-iran-v-lebanon

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3149687

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3149700

Group C: Uzbekistan 2-0 Korea Republic

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Group C: Uzbekistan 2-0 Korea Republic

Riyadh: Uzbekistan turned on the power in the second half to defeat Korea Republic 2-0 on Tuesday to seal their place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-finals.

The 2018 champions finished top of Group C with seven points while Korea Republic also advanced as the runners-up despite the defeat after Islamic Republic of Iran’s 1-0 loss to Lebanon in the other tie.

Preview - Group D: Thailand v China PR

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group D: Thailand v China PR

Riyadh: China PR are focused on creating history when they take on Thailand in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D match on Wednesday.

The unbeaten East Asian side are a win away from the quarter-finals of the continental championship - something they have failed to achieve in their five previous appearances. 

Preview - Group D: Iraq v Australia

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group D: Iraq v Australia

Riyadh: Australia and Iraq are in for a do-or-die encounter for the knockout stage when they meet in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D match on Wednesday.

Tony Vidmar’s side are on three points, with Iraq adrift by one, and with China PR (four points) and Thailand (one) also in contention, it’s anyone’s guess as to which two teams advance. 

Australia displayed dominant form in their 2-1 defeat of Thailand. Despite doing the same against China PR, they failed to convert their chances and fell to a solitary goal. 

Al Azaizeh hails fans for inspiring Jordan

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Al Azaizeh hails fans for inspiring Jordan

Jeddah: Match-winner Ali Al Azaizeh applauded Jordan’s supporters after his third goal of the tournament propelled the West Asian side into the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Monday.

The midfielder’s first half header secured a 1-0 victory over Kyrgyz republic, with Azaizeh stressing that the result was the least the players could do for their country and fans.

Match-winner Dinh Bac dedicates goal to Vietnam squad

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Match-winner Dinh Bac dedicates goal to Vietnam squad

Jeddah: Nguyen Dinh Bac couldn’t have asked for more after he came off the bench to grab the winner for Vietnam in the 1-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A tie on Monday.

The result not only meant a perfect group stage record for Vietnam but also sealed a third consecutive quarter-final appearance, with Dinh Bac paying tribute to his teammates for the resilient performance against a dominant Saudi Arabia.