The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 is set to ignite excitement as 16 of Asia’s top youth teams compete for continental glory.
Kicking off on Wednesday, February 12, in Shenzhen, the tournament promises high-stakes action and emerging talents ready to make their mark on international football.
This edition, the 42nd in the tournament’s history, marks the second time China PR hosts the competition. Over the years, the AFC U20 Asian Cup has been a launching pad for future stars such as Lee Dong-gook, Ahmed Khalil, Ritsu Doan, and Abdukodir Khusanov, and this year’s young hopefuls will be looking to follow in their footsteps.
A total of 12 former champions will take part, with only three teams—DPR Korea, Thailand, and Yemen—missing from the 2023 edition. The stakes are even higher, as the top four finishers will secure a coveted spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile. For Kyrgyz Republic, Thailand, and Yemen, this presents a golden opportunity to make history with their first-ever qualification for the global tournament.
Opening Matches Set the Stage
The tournament begins with Group A action, where debutants Kyrgyz Republic face a tough opener against Australia at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium at 5:15 pm. Making their third appearance, Kyrgyz Republic are still searching for their first tournament win, while Australia, runners-up in 2010, are eyeing a strong start.
Hosts China PR, who last hosted in 2010 and reached the quarterfinals, take on 2014 champions Qatar at 7:30 pm at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium. China will be eager to capitalize on home advantage in pursuit of their second title, while Qatar aims to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2018.
Group B Kicks Off with Heavyweights
February 13 sees five-time champions Iraq taking on three-time winners DPR Korea at 3:00 pm at the Longhua Cultural and Sports Centre Stadium. Iraq, runners-up in the previous edition, are making their 19th appearance, while DPR Korea return for their 14th tournament after last featuring in 2018.
Later that evening, 2006 semifinalists Jordan meet three-time winners Saudi Arabia at 7:30 pm at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium. Jordan aim to surpass their best-ever finish, while Saudi Arabia, in their 16th campaign, seek to reclaim the title they last won in 2018.
Defending Champions and Title Contenders Enter the Fray
Reigning champions Uzbekistan begin their title defense on February 15 in Group C against Yemen at 5:15 pm. Aiming to become the first back-to-back winners since Korea Republic in 2004, Uzbekistan face a Yemen side returning for their first appearance since 2016.
Later, four-time winners Iran take on 1961 champions Indonesia at 7:30 pm, with both teams aiming for a strong start in the quest for knockout-stage qualification.
Korea Republic and Japan Seek More Glory
On February 14, 12-time champions Korea Republic launch their campaign in Group D against 1994 winners Syria at 3:00 pm. Later, 2016 winners Japan—playing in their 39th tournament—square off against Thailand at 5:15 pm, with the latter hoping to rekindle past success.
With rich history, fierce competition, and future stars on display, the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for Asian football fans.
Kawasaki Frontale beat Al Sadd 3-2 after extra time to become the only East Asian club in the AFC Champions League Elite semifinals.