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. 

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Broli: UAE showed fighting spirit against IR Iran

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Broli: UAE showed fighting spirit against IR Iran

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Marcelo Broli praised his players’ resilience despite a 3-2 defeat to Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday, a result that still secured the West Asian side’s place at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026.

Iran’s first-half blitz in Abu Dhabi ensured they topped Group I to return to the Finals after missing the 2024 edition, while UAE advanced as one of the four best runners-up.

Vidmar, Vicente pleased to have met target

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Vidmar, Vicente pleased to have met target

Xi’an: Tony Vidmar and Antonio Vicente expressed satisfaction after guiding Australia and China PR respectively to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 following a goalless draw on Tuesday.

The stalemate saw Australia qualify as the Group D winners while China PR secured their place by finishing as one of the four best runners-up across the 11 qualifying groups.

Saudi Arabia 2026 cast finalised

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Saudi Arabia 2026 cast finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 following the conclusion of the Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Fifteen teams - the 11 group winners and four best runners-up overall - booked their tickets to join hosts and 2022 champions Saudi Arabia at the Finals, scheduled for January 7 to 25, 2026.

The cast includes all five previous winners of the continental showpiece with Kyrgyz Republic and Lebanon set to make their debuts at the Finals.

Qualifiers - Matchday Three: Results & Reports

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Qualifiers - Matchday Three: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 was finalised following the conclusion of the Qualifiers on Tuesday.

The 11 group winners and four best runners-up overall join hosts Saudi Arabia at the Finals, which will be played on January 7 to 25, 2026.
 
The draw is scheduled for October 2, 2025 so stay with the-AFC.com for all the latest news.

#ACLElite set for League Stage battles

Wed, 03 Sep, 2025

#ACLElite set for League Stage battles

Kuala Lumpur: The Continent’s finest sides will convene to kick off the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite) 2025/26 on September 15 as the quest for glory begins for the new season.

Al Ahli Saudi FC will be out to retain the trophy that they won for the first time just over four months ago, and are one of five former winners in the 24-strong cast. A total of 11 teams return from the 2024/25 campaign for the 23rd edition of Asia’s top-tier men’s club tournament under the ACL banner, which also features three Continental debutants: Korea Republic’s Gangwon FC, Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia, and China PR’s Chengdu Rongcheng FC.