Know your team: Korea Republic

Fri, 26 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Korea Republic

Jeddah: Korea Republic will aim to redeem themselves at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ after exiting at the quarter-final stage of the last two editions.

The 2020 champions and 2016 runners-up, who have not missed a single edition of the Finals, also made the semi-finals in 2013 and 2018.

Their hopes of advancing further in 2022 were dashed when they lost 3-0 to Japan and then to debutants Indonesia in 2024 after being outgunned in a marathon 11-10 penalty shootout.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3144630

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_|_q-final__korea_republic_2_-_2_pso_10_-_11_indonesia_1.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_-_final_korea_republic_1-0_saudi_arabia_aet.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3144641

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Thu, 25 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Jeddah: Uzbekistan will, yet again, be among the teams to beat at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2018, Uzbekistan also reached the final of the 2022 and 2024 editions, underlining their reputation as among Asian football’s powerhouses.

Know your team: Syria

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Syria

Jeddah: Syria will return to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ determined to make up for their absence from the last two editions.

After four straight appearances between 2013 and 2020, the West Asian side missed out in 2022 and 2024 but will head into Saudi Arabia 2026 with their confidence boosted after a sterling qualifying campaign. 

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.