Q-final: Shootout win takes Japan past Jordan

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Q-final: Shootout win takes Japan past Jordan

Jeddah: Japan defeated Jordan 4-2 on penalties to advance to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals, with the last eight tie having ended 1-1 after extra-time at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Friday. 

Goalkeeper Rui Araki was the hero, saving two spot-kicks as the defending champions stayed on track for a third title. It was heartbreak for a Jordan side who went toe-to-toe with the East Asians only to come up just short.

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Q-final: Vietnam edge UAE in thriller to advance

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Q-final: Vietnam edge UAE in thriller to advance

Jeddah: It was a case of third time lucky as Vietnam survived a stiff test to stay in the hunt for the title with a 3-2 extra-time win against United Arab Emirates in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-final on Friday.

A valiant UAE fought back to level twice but the tie was finally settled by Pham Minh Phuc to set Vietnam up for a semi-final meeting with either Uzbekistan or China PR on Tuesday, the Southeast Asian side's first appearance at the last four stage since their runners-up finish in 2018.

Preview - Q-final: Uzbekistan v China PR

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Uzbekistan v China PR

Jeddah: Uzbekistan and China PR will both be aiming for the stars when they square off in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-finals on Saturday.

Uzbekistan head coach Ravshan Khaydarov is targeting the title while his China PR counterpart Antonio Puche expects his team to create more history after advancing to the knockout stage for the first time.

Khaydarov guided Uzbekistan to a first place finish in Group C while China PR finished second in Group D. 

Preview - Q-final: Australia v Korea Republic

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Australia v Korea Republic

Jeddah: Confidence will not be an issue for either side when Australia and Korea Republic square off in the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Saturday.

Both endured mixed fortunes in the group stage with Antony Vidmar’s side staging a stunning fightback to defeat Iraq 2-1 in Group D while Korea Republic advanced as the Group  D runners-up after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan.

#AFCU23 - Vote for your favourite Group Stage goal

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 - Vote for your favourite Group Stage goal

Jeddah: The group stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ didn't disappoint with a fine serving of goals.

Fans were treated to long range screamers, team goals and tap ins as the continent's rising talent produced their best.

The-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to vote for the goal which you think was the best in the group stage.

#AFCU23 - Group Stage in numbers

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 - Group Stage in numbers

Jeddah: The group stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ concluded on Wednesday and it - as expected - lived up to expectations.

As the remaining eight teams gear up for the quarter-finals, the-AFC.com highlights several facts and figures that caught the eye.