The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 is set to captivate football fans across the continent as some of Asia's brightest young talents take center stage. From February 12 to March 3, sixteen teams will compete for the coveted trophy and a chance to represent Asia at the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year.

A Storied Tournament Tradition

First held in 1959, the AFC U20 Asian Cup is now into its 42nd edition, having established itself as a premier platform for showcasing the next generation of Asian football stars. Over the decades, the tournament has produced numerous luminaries who have gone on to make their mark on the global stage, including the likes of Lee Dong-gook, Ahmed Khalil, Ritsu Doan, and Abdukodir Khusanov.

Shenzhen Welcomes the Stars of Tomorrow

The city of Shenzhen, renowned as a global technology hub, will host the 2025 edition of the tournament. The tournament will feature a stellar cast, with 12 former champions and 13 of the 16 teams that participated in the previous edition in 2023. DPR Korea, Thailand, and Yemen are the exceptions, making their return to the competition.

Qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup

The top four finishers in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 will secure their place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025, which will be held in Chile later in the year. This added incentive will undoubtedly fuel the ambitions of the participating teams, as they strive to make their mark on the global stage.

Group Stage Excitement

The group stage of the tournament promises to be a thrilling affair, with several intriguing matchups on the cards. In Group A, the Kyrgyz Republic will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their third tournament appearance, facing a tough challenge from the likes of Australia and hosts China PR.

Group A

• Kyrgyz Republic vs. Australia
• China PR vs. Qatar

Group B

• Iraq vs. DPR Korea
• Jordan vs. Saudi Arabia

Group C

• Uzbekistan vs. Yemen
• Iran vs. Indonesia

Group D

• Korea Republic vs. Syria
• Japan vs. Thailand

Middle Eastern Teams in Focus

Several Middle Eastern teams will be looking to make their mark in the tournament, with Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Yemen all aiming to secure their maiden qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Iraq

Runners-up in the previous edition, five-time champions Iraq have qualified for a 10th consecutive time and 19th overall. They will be eager to go one step further and claim the title.

Jordan

Fourth place in 2006 is Jordan's best finish, and they will be hoping to surpass that on their third consecutive appearance and ninth overall, as they take on three-time champions Saudi Arabia.

Syria

The 1994 champions, Syria, are eyeing a return to the Knockout Stage for the first time since 2012 on their 12th appearance, as they face off against the tournament's most experienced team, Korea Republic.

Yemen

Making their seventh appearance and first since 2016, Yemen will be striving to reach the Knockout Stage for the first time, with a challenging group stage encounter against defending champions Uzbekistan.

Defending Champions and Record Holders

The defending champions, Uzbekistan, will be aiming to become the sixth side to defend the title and the first since Korea Republic in 2004. Meanwhile, Korea Republic, with a record-extending 13 titles, will be looking to add to their impressive tally.

Hosts China PR and Other Contenders

The host nation, China PR, will be targeting a second crown on home soil and their first since 1985, as they face a tough challenge from 2014 winners Qatar in the group stage.

Other notable contenders include four-time champions Iran, 2016 winners Japan, and 2010 runners-up Australia, all of whom will be eager to make their mark on the tournament.

Tournament Format and Schedule

The group stage matches will be played from February 12 to February 21, with the knockout stage commencing on February 24 and the final scheduled for March 3. The tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of the best young talent that Asia has to offer, with the winners securing their place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.

Conclusion

The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 is set to be a captivating event, showcasing the future stars of Asian football. With a rich history, high-stakes qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and a diverse array of talented teams, the tournament is poised to light up the football landscape in China and beyond.