Future of Asian football on display at AFC U-17 Asian Cup

JEDDAH: All eyes turn to Jeddah as the coastal city takes center stage for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 from May 5 to 22.

The competition will bring together 16 of the continent’s top national teams in the U-17 age group, combining competitive football with a broader organizational experience aimed at developing young talent and testing Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host major continental events.

All matches will be held on the reserve pitches of King Abdullah Sports City under a centralized tournament model.

For the first time, all games will be played at four stadiums within a single sports complex — a format designed to streamline logistics, improve operational efficiency and enhance the overall experience for teams and fans.

The setup will include fan zones and accompanying activities, creating a unified environment that integrates football matches with entertainment and culture inside and outside the stadiums.

The tournament will feature a mix of established and emerging teams. Defending champions Uzbekistan will be joined by traditional powerhouses in Japan and South Korea, while many sides return to the finals after long absences, including Myanmar, who will participate for the first time since 2006.

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup is an important milestone in Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Organizational readiness, coordination among stakeholders and the implementation of best practices will all be tested while contributing to the development of local expertise in hosting major tournaments.

The centralized model is a significant step forward in tournament organization, as matches, fans and events all come together in one integrated setting.

The tournament forms part of a broader