AFC U23 Asian Cup
Champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia relinquished their title to Japan in 2024 edition but will head into the tournament on home soil in fine form, having lifted the Arab U23 Cup 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final on Tuesday.
Factfile
Previous appearances: 6
Best finish: Champions (2022)
2024 record: Quarter-finals
How they qualified: Hosts
Group A fixtures: v Kyrgyz Republic (Jan 6), v Jordan (Jan 9), v Vietnam (Jan 12)
Fun fact: Besides emerging champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia were runners-up in 2013 and 2020.
Previous appearances: 6
Best finish: Champions (2022)
2024 record: Quarter-finals
How they qualified: Hosts
Group A fixtures: v Kyrgyz Republic (Jan 6), v Jordan (Jan 9), v Vietnam (Jan 12)
Fun fact: Besides emerging champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia were runners-up in 2013 and 2020.
#AFCU23 - Final | Uzbekistan 0 - 2 Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s title defence at Qatar 2024 didn’t go according to plan with a quarter-final exit at the hands of Uzbekistan also scuppering their hopes of reaching the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Under the guidance of former Italian international Luigi Di Biagio, the West Asian side were not involved in the Qualifiers played in September but instead focused their preparations elsewhere.
The Young Green Falcons underwent a training camp in Russia in that period and also played friendly matches against Korea Republic in October.
Under the guidance of former Italian international Luigi Di Biagio, the West Asian side were not involved in the Qualifiers played in September but instead focused their preparations elsewhere.
The Young Green Falcons underwent a training camp in Russia in that period and also played friendly matches against Korea Republic in October.
Powered by several players who impressed in Saudi Arabia’s run to the final of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025, Di Biagio knows expectations will be high for a home title tilt.
Lanky goalkeeper Hamed Youssef, defender Mohammed Barnawi and attacker Talal Haji are among those from the U20 squad expected to be included while winger Abdulaziz Aliewa, who has grabbed attention with his displays for Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League this season, is another one who will be counted on to play a big role in the tournament.
Lanky goalkeeper Hamed Youssef, defender Mohammed Barnawi and attacker Talal Haji are among those from the U20 squad expected to be included while winger Abdulaziz Aliewa, who has grabbed attention with his displays for Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League this season, is another one who will be counted on to play a big role in the tournament.
Aliewa and Rakan Al Ghamdi scored in the win over Iraq on Tuesday as Saudi Arabia secured their fifth title and the West Asian side will aim to emulate Japan as two-time winners of the AFC U23 Asian Cup.
Photos: Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Photos: Saudi Arabian Football Federation
