AFC U23 Asian Cup: 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.
02/10/2025 15:56:17
Hosts and 2022 champions Saudi Arabia will have 2018 runners-up Vietnam, Jordan and debutants Kyrgyz Republic for company in Group A.
Two-time and defending champions Japan will have to contend with 2024 hosts Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Syria in Group B.
Hoping to deny Uzbekistan – who lifted the trophy in 2018 – progress from Group C will be 2020 champions Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran and Lebanon, who will be making their first appearance at the Finals.
Group D top seeds and 2013 champions Iraq will have to overcome the challenge of Australia, Thailand and China PR.
The top two finishers of each group will progress to the Knockout Stage, with the Final showdown to be contested on January 24, 2026.
Draw Result
Group A: Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic
Group B: Japan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Syria
Group C: Uzbekistan, Korea Republic, IR Iran, Lebanon
Group D: Iraq, Australia, Thailand, China PR
Group A: Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic
Group B: Japan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Syria
Group C: Uzbekistan, Korea Republic, IR Iran, Lebanon
Group D: Iraq, Australia, Thailand, China PR
Source: AFC
