We tried but couldn’t challenge, admits China PR’s Puche

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

We tried but couldn’t challenge, admits China PR’s Puche

Jeddah: China PR left Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium dejected on Saturday, their dream of lifting a maiden title having been ended by a 4-0 defeat to Japan in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final.

In a thoroughly dominant performance by Japan, China PR’s challenge was as good as over following a 2-0 deficit at half time, with head coach Antonio Puche admitting his side had been out-thought and out-played. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-final-china-pr-0-4-japan

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Oiwa: Japan are on the right track

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Oiwa: Japan are on the right track

Jeddah: Head coach Go Oiwa believes Japan’s development programmes are doing their job after guiding his team to a 4-0 victory over China PR in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The triumph made Japan the first team to successfully defend the crown and lift the trophy for a third time, with Oiwa having also steered them to glory two years ago.

Japan power past China PR to clinch third title

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan power past China PR to clinch third title

Jeddah: Japan were at their scintillating best as they cruised 4-0 past China PR in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium on Saturday.

A brace from Kosei Ogura and strikes from Yuto Ozeki and Ryunosuke Sato meant Japan became the first team to defend the title and lift the coveted trophy for a third time.

It was heartbreak for China PR, who were looking to cap their amazing run at Saudi Arabia 2026 with the title but found Japan simply too hot on the night. 

Japan’s Sato receives MVP honour

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan’s Sato receives MVP honour

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato was named the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ MVP following Japan’s 4-0 win against China PR in the final on Saturday.

The midfielder was influential throughout the tournament, featuring in all six matches as Japan became not only the first team to win back-to-back titles but also extend their record of triumphs to three. 

Vietnam’s Dinh Bac takes Top Scorer award

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Vietnam’s Dinh Bac takes Top Scorer award

Jeddah: Vietnam’s Nguyen Dinh Bac scooped the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Top Scorer award after a sterling campaign for the Southeast Asian side.

The team captain netted four goals and two assists as Vietnam finished third following their penalty shootout win against Korea Republic on Friday.

New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ brand built to inspire

Thu, 22 Jan, 2026

New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ brand built to inspire

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ today revealed the new brand identity for the 19th edition of Asia’s crown jewel, with less than a year to kick-off.

Designed to feel confident, contemporary and full of energy, and shaped by a vision to inspire the next generation of footballers and fans across the Continent, the bold and contemporary visual identity reflects the unique spirit and culture of the hosts, while also celebrating the unifying power of Asian football.