Dominant Japan
Japan hold the record for the most titles, winning four times (1994, 2006, 2018, and 2023). Their consistent performances at this level have been instrumental in developing future senior national team players.

Former champions
Eleven nations have previously lifted the coveted trophy, with China PR, DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Oman and Saudi Arabia (twice each) joining Japan as multiple champions. Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Thailand and Uzbekistan have each reigned once.

Unlucky Qatar
Besides emerging champions in 1990, Qatar have finished runners-up five times, the most recent being in 1998. Korea Republic have had to settle for a second-place finish three times.

In search of title
While all 16 teams who will feature at Saudi Arabia 2025 have previously appeared at the tournament, seven will be aiming to win the title for the first time. 

Perennial qualifiers
Japan will be featuring in the Finals for the 17th edition with China PR and Korea Republic having qualified 16 times. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will only be making a third appearance but for consecutive editions. 

Breeding ground
The tournament has been the stepping stone for some of the continent’s best players with the likes of Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan, Takumi Minamino, Sardar Azmoun and Omar Khribin having made their mark in the past. 

Final heartbreak
Bahrain (1988), Tajikistan (2018), United Arab Emirates (1990) and Yemen (2002) are four sides who reached the final but were not able to lay their hands on the trophy. 

Path to the FIFA U-17 World Cup
The tournament also serves as Asia’s qualifying event for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which has been expanded to a 48-team annual tournament from 2025. The four group winners and runners-up will join hosts Qatar at the Finals, which will be played on November 3-27.