The session kicked off with a welcome address from AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, following which the participants received a comprehensive overview of the competition structure and operational changes introduced in Jeddah, where a grassroots festival format was implemented.

 

The key technical topics discussed during the programme ranged from improvements in passing accuracy and ball control to the ability to build from the goalkeeper under high pressure.

 

Additionally, the session underlined the growing tendency of teams to adopt high pressing schemes to disrupt opposition build-up play, while compact defending in their own half was another common feature identified during the tournament.

 

In a particularly interesting segment, Japan head coach Shingi Ono, who guided his side to the title, highlighted the importance of collective development in enabling the entire squad to contribute on the pitch.

“The tournament was a great experience for young players, especially as it provided a perfect opportunity to face peers from the same age-group,” said Ono.

 

“As for Japan, we had several difficult matches, but we had a large pool of players that allowed us to rotate the squad. It is the result of many coaches focusing on developing players with a collective direction in mind.”

 

In the second half of the event, the focus shifted towards the latest developments in global youth football, including the expanded 48-team FIFA U17 World Cup and the UEFA Youth League, where discussions centred on elite player development pathways and the transition of youth players into senior football.

 

This included a close examination of the performances showcased by the finalists of both competitions, namely the U19 sides of Portugal and Austria, as well as Spain’s Real Madrid and Belgium’s Club Brugge.

 

Before the discussion concluded, attendees also received updates on the latest endorsements under the acclaimed AFC Elite Youth Scheme, which currently includes 29 Member Associations.

 

Providing an opportunity for experts and technical observers alike to exchange insights, raise concerns and share ideas, the AFC Youth Online Session 2026 marked yet another step in the Confederation’s efforts to help Asian teams achieve success on the world stage.