News

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. 

Philippines dethrone Vietnam to create history

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Philippines dethrone Vietnam to create history

Chonburi: The Philippines won the 2025 SEA Games women's football gold medal with a penalty shootout victory against Vietnam on Wednesday.

With the final having ended goalless after 120 minutes, Philippines edged the shootout 6-5 to claim the gold medal for the first time. Thailand, meanwhile, defeated Indonesia 2-0 to take the bronze.

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.

Preview: Final & 3rd Place Playoff

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

Preview: Final & 3rd Place Playoff

Doha: Jordan will seek to lift the trophy for the first time when they play Morocco in the final of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates will meet in playoff for third place, with both seeking to end their respective campaigns on a high note.

#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.