News

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates will relish the opportunity to reach new ground when the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 begins on January 6.

UAE have yet to go past the quarter-final stage and that will be the first target for this new generation of talent.

Know your team: Qatar

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Qatar

Jeddah: Qatar will be targeting the title at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ as they seek to translate consistent appearances at the Finals with success. 

After missing out in 2013, the West Asian side have featured in every edition but have never advanced to the title decider. 

Know your team: Japan

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Japan

Jeddah: Defending champions Japan will be determined to maintain their grip on the trophy when they compete in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The only team to have lifted the coveted trophy twice, Go Oiwa’s side will start as one of the favourites once again.

Know your team: Jordan

Sat, 20 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Jordan

Jeddah: Jordan will be confident that they can go all the way in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 after an impressive qualifying campaign.

Jordan topped Group A with ease - securing three wins with 19 goals scored and only one conceded.

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Jeddah: Kyrgyz Republic will be eager to make their inaugural AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Finals appearance a memorable one by hitting the ground running at Saudi Arabia 2026.

After six unsuccessful attempts, the Central Asian side finally broke through by topping their qualifying group to book a historic place at the continental tournament.

Know your team: Vietnam

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Vietnam

Jeddah: Vietnam will be striving to lift the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ trophy for the first time when they compete at Saudi Arabia 2026™.

A constant presence at the continental showpiece, the closest Vietnam have come to emerging champions was in 2018, when they lost to Uzbekistan in the final. 

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: A highly confident Saudi Arabia will aim to maximise home ground advantage in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia relinquished their title to Japan in 2024 edition but will head into the tournament on home soil in fine form, having lifted the Arab U23 Cup 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final on Tuesday.

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ will be played in four stadiums across two cities.

Jeddah and Riyadh will witness what promises to be high quality action with 32 matches to be played. The-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the four stadiums.

#AFCU23: Stars who have shone

Mon, 15 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: Stars who have shone

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ has a history of showcasing some of the brightest talents on the continent as the players on display look to continue their rise to prominence.

Many of those who have stood out for their countries over the years have gone on to become key performers for their senior national teams and represent some of the biggest clubs in Asia and beyond.

As the seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup approaches its kick-off on January 6, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the other big names to have graced the tournament.

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 is just weeks away and excitement is building.

As the teams get set for what promises to be thrilling action, the-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to test your knowledge of a tournament that has never failed to excite.

#AFCU23: 2024 revisited

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2024 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ returned to Qatar in 2024, with the West Asian nation having also hosted the 2016 edition.

As we rapidly approach the 2026 edition to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, the-AFC.com concludes its look back at previous editions of the tournament by shining the spotlight on what proved to be a historical championship in 2024.

#AFCU23: 2022 revisited

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2022 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ is fast approaching with the 16 teams in the final phase of preparations for the continental showpiece.

As we edge closer to the tournament, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the 2022 edition.