AFC U20 Asian Cup
Of the 368 players set to showcase their skills over the coming days, 69 (19%) were also part of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023, presenting us with some interesting stats.
IR Iran lead the way
Iran have an impressive ratio, with 14 players progressing from their Under 17 side to their China 2025 squad - the highest number of ‘graduates’ in the competition.
Goalkeeper Arsha Shakouri, forward Esmaeil Gholizadeh and defender Nima Andarz were among the players who graced the stage in Thailand 2023.
Yemen’s impressive retention rate
Yemen have retained 10 players as they build towards future competitions. Adel Abbas and Anwar Al Turaiqi, who scored twice in Thailand 2023, will be among the players aiming to impress in Shenzhen.
Balanced squad for Uzbekistan and Qatar
Uzbekistan and Qatar have retained eight players each, indicating a well-defined pathway from youth to senior teams.
Defending champions Uzbekistan have included FC Olympic Mobiuz midfielder Mukhammadali Reimov and Bunyodkor duo Amirbek Saidov and Azizbek Tulkunbekov while forwards Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid and Nasser Adil Babiker have been included by Qatar.
East Asian powerhouses
Japan, Korea Republic and China PR have a moderate retention rate, with seven, five and six players from Thailand 2023 in their respective squads.
Yutaka Michiwaki, who starred with four goals at Thailand 2023, will be aiming to put on another spectacular display for Japan.
Tough to get into Australia, Thailand squads
Australia and Thailand have retained three players each and their experience will be counted on by both sides in their bid to win the title.
Daniel Bennie, Tiago Quintal and Fabian Talladira have been selected to join the Young Socceross with Dutsadee Buranajutanon, Phongsakorn Sangkasopha and Jirapong Pungviravong added to the Thailand squad.
