January 15 – Australia and China were the final teams to confirm their places in the quarter finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 this weekend but it was not without drama.
China went into their final match as group leaders, needing just a point against third placed Iraq to qualify for the knockout rounds. What looked like a straightforward task became difficult with the Chinese in the end settling for a 0-0 draw against a good Iraqi team.
Australia needed a win or a draw to go through against Group D bottom team Thailand but after eight minutes were a goal down. With two comeback goals later in the half, Australia did enough to take all the points and go top of the group.
They now join the six other sides who had secured their last eight places earlier this week.
Vietnam were the standout team in Group A, finishing top with a maximum nine points after wins over Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyz Republic. They now face the UAE who finished runners up in Group B.
Jordan advanced as Group A runners-up and will face Group B winners Japan in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Japan are looking to become the first team to defend the title and win the trophy for a record third time.
Uzbekistan and Korea Republic were two other former champions to advance after occupying the top two spots in Group C.
Uzbekistan, who won the title in 2018, will face Group D runners-up China on Saturday while Korea Republic, who won the 2020 edition, will face Australia.
The winners of the Vietnam-United Arab Emirates tie will meet the victors of the Uzbekistan-China PR semi-final while either Japan or Jordan will progress to a last four meeting with Australia or Korea Republic.
Quarter-finals
Friday
Japan v Jordan
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Vietnam v United Arab Emirates
Venue: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)
Saturday
Uzbekistan v China PR
Venue: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)
Australia v Korea Republic
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
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