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News

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is beginning to feel real — and before the first whistle blows, fans get to take charge with the #WAC2026 Dream XI. Build your ultimate team from a curated pool where generational legends meet the next wave of stars. 

Goalkeeper? Sorted. Time for the backline. Three defenders who can organise, disrupt, lead and inspire. From penalty-box generals to flying wide defenders, your nominees are ready. 

Jamous: Al Naimat gave Jordan extra motivation to reach final

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

Jamous: Al Naimat gave Jordan extra motivation to reach final

Al Khor: Injured captain Yazan Al Naimat inspired Jordan’s 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 semi-finals on Monday, said Amer Jamous. 

Jordan struggled to break down Saudi Arabia for more than an hour at Al Bayt Stadium before Nizar Al Rashdan nodded home the winner in the 66th minute to book a final showdown against Morocco on Thursday.

#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.

S-final: Al Rashdan strike takes Jordan past Saudi Arabia

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

S-final: Al Rashdan strike takes Jordan past Saudi Arabia

Al Khor: Nizar Al Rashdan scored in the second half as Jordan secured a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

After a listless first half, Al Rashdan powered home a header in the 66th minute to book Jordan their place in the final against Morocco on Thursday. Saudi Arabia will face the United Arab Emirates in the third-place playoff. 

S-final: UAE’s title dream ended by Morocco

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

S-final: UAE’s title dream ended by Morocco

Al Rayyan: United Arab Emirates’ FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title hopes were dashed after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in their semi-final at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

Goals from Karim El Berkaoui and substitute Achraf El Mahdioui sealed victory for Morocco, who will face either Saudi Arabia or Jordan in the final at Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

#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.

Preview: Semi-finals

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

Preview: Semi-finals

Doha: The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 semi-finals are set to be thrilling affairs with three Asian sides looking to lift the coveted trophy.

Standing in their way are Morocco, who are aiming to keep the trophy in Africa following the elimination of defending champions Algeria in the quarter-finals.

#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.

Q-final: Almeqbali stars as UAE dethrone Algeria

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

Q-final: Almeqbali stars as UAE dethrone Algeria

Al Khor: Goalkeeper Hamad Almeqbali was the hero as United Arab Emirates edged Algeria 7-6 on penalties after their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 quarter-final ended 1-1 at the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.

Almeqbali saved Algeria’s second and eighth spot-kicks, with Richard Akonnor netting the winner as UAE dethroned the defending champions and set up a semi-final showdown with Morocco on Monday. 

Q-final: Jordan hold off Iraq to advance

Sat, 13 Dec, 2025

Q-final: Jordan hold off Iraq to advance

Al Rayyan: Jordan staved off a spirited fightback attempt from Iraq to secure a 1-0 win in their FIFA Arab Cup 2025 quarter-final at Education City Stadium on Friday.

The result meant that Jordan set up a tantalising semi-final meeting with Saudi Arabia - who defeated Palestine 2-1 - on Monday.

#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.

Photos

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is beginning to feel real — and before the first whistle blows, fans get to take charge with the #WAC2026 Dream XI. Build your ultimate team from a curated pool where generational legends meet the next wave of stars. 

Goalkeeper? Sorted. Time for the backline. Three defenders who can organise, disrupt, lead and inspire. From penalty-box generals to flying wide defenders, your nominees are ready. 

#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.

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Thu, 11 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: With the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicking off in a matter of weeks, we continue our look back at the previous editions of the tournament.

The focus on the latest installment of the series is the 2020 edition, which also offered three spots to the Tokyo Olympics. 

#AFCU23: 2018 revisited

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2018 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: As we edge closer to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™, we continue our flashback of a tournament that has never failed to thrill. 

Having taken a look at the 2013 and 2016 editions, we shift out focus to the 2018 edition that was played under challenging conditions in China PR.

#AFCU23: 2016 revisited

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2016 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: As the countdown to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ gathers pace, we continue our trip down memory lane of a tournament that has witnessed the rise of many of the continent's standout players.

Having looked at the 2013 edition won by Iraq, we shift our attention to the 2016 tournament which was hosted by Qatar.  

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Sydney: Twelve teams will head to Australia next year seeking ultimate glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To warm up, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI lets football fans pick 11 of their favourite players from a pool of all-time greats and rising stars. 

We begin where titles so often tilt: the goalkeeper's spot.

You're choosing the last line of defence for your Dream XI—presence, poise and big-match nerve required. From an era-defining icon to a modern-day hero, here are the five nominees. 

#AFCU23: 2013 revisited

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2013 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ is set to kick off in Saudi Arabia on January 6 as 16 teams converge on the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh with some of the hottest prospects in Asian football set to be on show.

Stars such as Takumi Minamino, Alireza Beiranvand, Hwang Hee-chan, Chanathip Songkrasin and Almoez Ali are among the big names to have featured in a competition that has delivered numerous magical moments over the years. 

To whet the appetite ahead of one of the Asian Football Confederation’s showpiece tournaments, we look back at the previous editions of the AFC U23 Asian Cup - starting with 2013.

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on January 6 with 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.

As the teams enter their final phase of preparations and excitement begins to build, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures of the tournament.

Videos

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is beginning to feel real — and before the first whistle blows, fans get to take charge with the #WAC2026 Dream XI. Build your ultimate team from a curated pool where generational legends meet the next wave of stars. 

Goalkeeper? Sorted. Time for the backline. Three defenders who can organise, disrupt, lead and inspire. From penalty-box generals to flying wide defenders, your nominees are ready. 

#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.

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Thu, 11 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2020 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: With the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicking off in a matter of weeks, we continue our look back at the previous editions of the tournament.

The focus on the latest installment of the series is the 2020 edition, which also offered three spots to the Tokyo Olympics. 

#AFCU23: 2018 revisited

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2018 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: As we edge closer to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™, we continue our flashback of a tournament that has never failed to thrill. 

Having taken a look at the 2013 and 2016 editions, we shift out focus to the 2018 edition that was played under challenging conditions in China PR.

#AFCU23: 2016 revisited

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2016 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: As the countdown to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ gathers pace, we continue our trip down memory lane of a tournament that has witnessed the rise of many of the continent's standout players.

Having looked at the 2013 edition won by Iraq, we shift our attention to the 2016 tournament which was hosted by Qatar.  

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Sydney: Twelve teams will head to Australia next year seeking ultimate glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To warm up, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI lets football fans pick 11 of their favourite players from a pool of all-time greats and rising stars. 

We begin where titles so often tilt: the goalkeeper's spot.

You're choosing the last line of defence for your Dream XI—presence, poise and big-match nerve required. From an era-defining icon to a modern-day hero, here are the five nominees. 

#AFCU23: 2013 revisited

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: 2013 revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ is set to kick off in Saudi Arabia on January 6 as 16 teams converge on the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh with some of the hottest prospects in Asian football set to be on show.

Stars such as Takumi Minamino, Alireza Beiranvand, Hwang Hee-chan, Chanathip Songkrasin and Almoez Ali are among the big names to have featured in a competition that has delivered numerous magical moments over the years. 

To whet the appetite ahead of one of the Asian Football Confederation’s showpiece tournaments, we look back at the previous editions of the AFC U23 Asian Cup - starting with 2013.

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ kicks off on January 6 with 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.

As the teams enter their final phase of preparations and excitement begins to build, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures of the tournament.