Preview - Group A: Saudi Arabia v Kyrgyz Republic

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group A: Saudi Arabia v Kyrgyz Republic

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia will be confident of claiming maximum points when they open their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A campaign against debutants Kyrgyz Republic on Tuesday.

The 2022 champions not only have home ground advantage on their side but will head into the tournament having lifted the U23 Gulf Cup 2025 recently. 

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Preview - Group A: Vietnam v Jordan

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group A: Vietnam v Jordan

Jeddah: Omar Nahji and Kim Sang-sik both expect a positive start from their respective sides when Jordan and Vietnam meet in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A opener on Tuesday.

Nahji is eyeing maximum points to ensure that Jordan will have the opportunity to manage the subsequent games against Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyz Republic better, with Vietnam’s Kim also targeting the same. 

#AFCU23 squads announced

Mon, 05 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 squads announced

Jeddah: The 16 contenders for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ have named the squads they hope will steer them to glory.

With just two days remaining until the seventh edition of AFC U23 Asian Cup kicks off, squads featuring the continent’s rising stars have been revealed and the-AFC.com highlights one player per team to look out for.

Saudi Arabia 2026: Facts & Figures

Thu, 01 Jan, 2026

Saudi Arabia 2026: Facts & Figures

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on Tuesday with 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.

The action promises to be spectacular and ahead of the opening matches, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures.

#AFCU23: Most Valuable Players

Fri, 02 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23: Most Valuable Players

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on Tuesday with the stage set for the continent’s brightest talents to shine on the continental platform.

Over the years, the tournament has featured players who have inspired their countries to one of Asian football’s most prestigious titles and finished the campaign not only as a champion but also with the Most Valuable Player accolade.
 
From Amjad Kalaf’s stunning display in the first-ever tournament to Joel Chima Fujita dazzling in 2024, the-AFC.com looks back at the six players who have been named the AFC U23 Asian Cup MVP.

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched the official AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Match Predictor, now available on the-AFC.com and the AFC LIVE app. 

The #AFCU23 match predictor will add extra excitement as in January 2026, 16 teams drawn into four groups will compete for the silverware at the seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™. Join, predict and win exclusive prizes with #AFCU23 Match Predictor. 
 
The hosts and 2022 champions Saudi Arabia are scheduled to meet the 2018 runners-up Vietnam, while two-time, defending champions Japan face the 2024 hosts Qatar - encounters befitting a tournament of continental stature.