AFC U23 Asian Cup
As the teams enter their final phase of preparations and excitement begins to build, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures of the tournament.
Six editions, five champions
Japan, in lifting the trophy in 2024, became the first side to emerge champions twice - having also won in 2016. Other teams to have won the title are Iraq (2013), Uzbekistan (2018), Korea Republic (2020) and Saudi Arabia (2022). Japan will now target to be the first team to defend the title.
Japan, in lifting the trophy in 2024, became the first side to emerge champions twice - having also won in 2016. Other teams to have won the title are Iraq (2013), Uzbekistan (2018), Korea Republic (2020) and Saudi Arabia (2022). Japan will now target to be the first team to defend the title.
Perfect record
Japan emerged champions each time they made the final while Iraq - the inaugural winners in 2013 - also have a perfect record. Former titleholders Saudi Arabia (2013, 2020), Uzbekistan (2022, 2024) and Korea Republic (2016) have all tasted defeat in the final.
Vietnam odd ones out
Vietnam are the only team to have made a final and not won, losing to Uzbekistan in the 2018 edition.
Japan emerged champions each time they made the final while Iraq - the inaugural winners in 2013 - also have a perfect record. Former titleholders Saudi Arabia (2013, 2020), Uzbekistan (2022, 2024) and Korea Republic (2016) have all tasted defeat in the final.
Vietnam odd ones out
Vietnam are the only team to have made a final and not won, losing to Uzbekistan in the 2018 edition.
2018 Final: Vietnam 1-2 Uzbekistan
Mainstays
Australia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan have never failed to qualify for the Finals.
Newcomers
Indonesia made their debut in 2024 with a fourth-place finish. In Saudi 2026, it will be the turn of Kyrgyz Republic and Lebanon to impress in their tournament bow and both will be aiming to better the Southeast Asian side's feat.
Australia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan have never failed to qualify for the Finals.
Newcomers
Indonesia made their debut in 2024 with a fourth-place finish. In Saudi 2026, it will be the turn of Kyrgyz Republic and Lebanon to impress in their tournament bow and both will be aiming to better the Southeast Asian side's feat.
#AFCU23 - Thailand 2020: Korea Republic lift the trophy
Korea Republic on a mission
Bowing out at the quarter-final stage for the second successive edition hurt Korea Republic deeply as it meant missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics - having appeared in every edition of the Games since 1988. While Saudi Arabia 2026 is not a qualifying tournament, the East Asian side will be determined to redeem themselves.
All eyes on Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan made the final of three of the last four editions and the Central Asian side - who have risen to become one of the continent's top teams across all age-groups - will be determined to win the title for a second time.
Bowing out at the quarter-final stage for the second successive edition hurt Korea Republic deeply as it meant missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics - having appeared in every edition of the Games since 1988. While Saudi Arabia 2026 is not a qualifying tournament, the East Asian side will be determined to redeem themselves.
All eyes on Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan made the final of three of the last four editions and the Central Asian side - who have risen to become one of the continent's top teams across all age-groups - will be determined to win the title for a second time.
Can China PR progress?
Barring the two sides making their debuts, China PR are the only team in the 16-strong cast who have never progressed past the group stage in their previous five appearances. The East Asian side - drawn in Group D alongside Iraq, Australia and Thailand - will hope to end that run.
Barring the two sides making their debuts, China PR are the only team in the 16-strong cast who have never progressed past the group stage in their previous five appearances. The East Asian side - drawn in Group D alongside Iraq, Australia and Thailand - will hope to end that run.
