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. 

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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.

Najhi: Jordan’s focus got the job done

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Najhi: Jordan’s focus got the job done

Jeddah: Jordan head coach Omar Najhi hailed his players’ laser sharp focus after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic secured their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Monday.

Ali Azaizeh’s first-half header proved decisive as Jordan finished the group stage on six points, booking a last-eight meeting with defending champions Japan. 

Resolute Vietnam make Kim proud

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Resolute Vietnam make Kim proud

Jeddah: Kim Sang-sik felt immense pride after Vietnam battled to a 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia to top Group A and advance to the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Monday.

Unlike the matches against Jordan and Kyrgyz Republic where Vietnam produced exciting attacking displays, it was more of a backs-to-the-wall kind of performance against Saudi Arabia with Kim not surprised with how the match turned out.

Europe Wrap: Mitoma hitting the heights; Hubner’s day to remember

Mon, 12 Jan, 2026

Europe Wrap: Mitoma hitting the heights; Hubner’s day to remember

Kuala Lumpur: Kaoru Mitoma scored for the first time since returning from injury as Brighton held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in the English Premier League.

Indonesia international Justin Hubner scored his first goal in professional football and his first Eredivise goal for Fortuna Sittard, ensuring the 22-year-old won’t forget January 11, 2026 in a hurry.

Other Asian stars added to their goal and assist tally across major European leagues, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.