News

#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.  

#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.

Road to Saudi Arabia 2026 glory paved

Thu, 02 Oct, 2025

Road to Saudi Arabia 2026 glory paved

Kuala Lumpur: The teams aiming for glory at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 learnt their challengers following the Official Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

The 16-strong cast were divided into four groups for the seventh edition of the tournament that will kick off on January 6, 2026.

#AFCU23 Final Draw to set up Saudi Arabia 2026 battles

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

#AFCU23 Final Draw to set up Saudi Arabia 2026 battles

Kuala Lumpur: With three months to kick-off, the stage is set for the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Final Draw to take place on October 2 (Thursday) at 3pm.

To be held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, the ceremony will divide the 16-strong final cast into four groups for the seventh edition of the tournament that is scheduled to commence on January 6, 2026.

Edmar dedicates qualification to Kyrgyz fans

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Edmar dedicates qualification to Kyrgyz fans

Bishkek: Head coach Edmar de Lacerda was over the moon after guiding Kyrgyz Republic to a historic berth at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 on Tuesday.

Kyrgyz Republic defeated Sri Lanka 6-0 to top Group E on seven points, finishing ahead of Central Asian rivals Uzbekistan on superior goal difference to secure their first Finals appearance after seven attempts.

Iraq’s Mohammed relieved after securing Finals berth

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Iraq’s Mohammed relieved after securing Finals berth

Phnom Penh: Iraq head coach Emad Mohammed expressed joy at meeting his side’s objective despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Cambodia in their final AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group G tie on Tuesday.

The draw sealed 2013 champions Iraq the Group G top spot and a place in the Official Draw on October 2.