AFC U23 Asian Cup
After four straight appearances between 2013 and 2020, the West Asian side missed out in 2022 and 2024 but will head into Saudi Arabia 2026 with their confidence boosted after a sterling qualifying campaign.
Factfile
Previous appearances: 4
Best finish: Q-finals (2013, 2020)
2024 record: Did not qualify
How they qualified: Group K winners
Group B fixtures: v Japan (Jan 7), v Qatar (Jan 10), v UAE (Jan 13)
Fun fact: Syria’s run in the 2013 and 2020 editions were ended by Korea Republic and Australia.
The West Asian side were put to the test in the Qualifiers, displaying resilience to turn the game around when it mattered most, starting with their opener against the Philippines with Mahmoud Al Aswad netting the winner.
Against Nepal, Syria found themselves trailing by a goal after taking an early lead in the first half and needed a second half fightback with Ali Al Rina, Al Aswad and Mahmoud Nayef all finding the net to secure the win.
In the final fixture against Tajikistan, Syria dug deep with Mohamad Al Sarakbi hitting a winner in stoppage time to keep them perfect.
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Topping Group K in the Qualifiers marked a successful return to the continental stage but Syria will face a demanding group that includes holders Japan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Their impressive qualifying campaign, however, will give them confidence and Syria’s target will be to advance beyond the quarter-finals for the first time.
