Preview - Qualifiers: Matchday Three

Sun, 07 Sep, 2025

Preview - Qualifiers: Matchday Three

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 will be finalised on Matchday Three of the Qualifiers on Tuesday.

The 11 group winners and four best runners-up overall will join hosts Saudi Arabia at the Finals.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the state of play across the groups.

Kosugi targets improvement from Japan

Sun, 07 Sep, 2025

Kosugi targets improvement from Japan

Yangon: Keita Kosugi was relieved to see Japan come through a tough test against Myanmar in their AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers tie but the captain is keen to see improvements in Tuesday’s decider against Kuwait.

Saturday’s last-gasp 2-1 win against Myanmar kept defending champions Japan top of the standings in Group B, two points ahead of Kuwait with only top spot guaranteed a place in the Finals.

Al Sanini praises Yemen’s resilience

Sun, 07 Sep, 2025

Al Sanini praises Yemen’s resilience

Viet Tri:  Yemen head coach Amin Al Sanini hailed his players’ resilience after substitute Mohammed Esam Al Awami struck deep in stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh in Group C of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers on Saturday.

Bangladesh enjoyed spells of possession and frustrated Yemen, who ultimately brought on Al Awami in the second minute of added time with the forward capitalising two minutes later to seal the win.

Philippines’ Leddel glad to have played vital role against Tajikistan

Sun, 07 Sep, 2025

Philippines’ Leddel glad to have played vital role against Tajikistan

Dushanbe: Noah Leddel delivered a towering performance at both ends of the pitch as the Philippines edged Tajikistan 1-0 to keep their in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 hopes alive on Saturday.

The Cebu FC defender set the tone with crucial clearances in the eighth minute before rising to the occasion to deliver the winning goal, heading home off Sandro Reyes’ corner in the 70th minute.

Najhi: Win a confidence booster for Jordan

Sun, 07 Sep, 2025

Najhi: Win a confidence booster for Jordan

Amman: Head coach Omar Najhi is counting on the 6-0 win against Chinese Taipei on Saturday to be the catalyst for Jordan’s qualification for the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026.

Group A of the Qualifiers is finely poised with both Jordan and Turkmenistan on six points and their meeting on Tuesday will decide who takes the automatic spot from the group and Najhi is hoping it is the West Asian side.

Qualifiers - Matchday Two: Results & Reports

Sun, 07 Sep, 2025

Qualifiers - Matchday Two: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: There is still everything to play for as Matchday Two of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers concluded on Saturday.

After a thrilling day of action, the 15 tickets to the Finals - the 11 group winners and four best runners-up overall will advance - remain up for grabs.

The teams will resume their bids on Tuesday to join hosts Saudi Arabia at the Finals so make sure to stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.