News ID: 539

Date: 04 January 2026 - 15:24

AFC U23 Asian Cup

AFCU23 squads announced

The 16 contenders for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™ have named the squads they hope will steer them to glory.

Group A

Vietnam - Khuat Van Khang
A combative and intelligent midfielder, Khuat Van Khang is the heartbeat of his side. Already a regular at senior international level, the 21-year-old brings the composure and leadership  Vietnam will need to better their runners-up finish of 2018.

Jordan - Odeh Fakhoury
Jordan’s standout attacking threat, Fakhoury enjoyed a prolific qualifying campaign and arrives fresh from featuring at the FIFA Arab Cup 2025. His ability to find space and finish decisively makes him central to Jordan’s ambitions in a tough group.

Kyrgyz Republic - Kimi Merk
On their historic Finals debut, Kyrgyz Republic will look to Dordoi Bishkek playmaker Kimi Merk for inspiration. A scorer and creator during Qualifiers, Merk’s creativity will be vital as the newcomers seek to hit the ground running.

Saudi Arabia - Musab Aljuwayr
A key component of Herve Renard’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying squad, Musab Aljuwayr will bring his creative qualities to the U23 stage and if the midfielder lives up to his billing, the hosts could well lift the trophy for a second time.

Group B

Japan - Gaku Nawata
A proven big-game performer, Nawata was both MVP and Top Scorer at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023. The Gamba Osaka forward’s composure under pressure will be key as Japan seek to not only defend their crown but become the first team to win back-to-back titles.

Qatar - Moustafa Asar
Not many players will take to the tournament with confidence as high as Asar, who struck four times in a single Qualifiers match. The Al Rayyan SC forward offers the pace, power and clinical finishing Qatar will need in search of a maiden title.

United Arab Emirates - Mansoor Almenhali
Currently on loan at Baniyas, Almenhali was one of UAE’s most dangerous attacking outlets in the Qualifiers. His direct style and eye for goal can prove decisive in a fiercely competitive group.

Syria - Mahmoud Al Aswad
A scorer when it mattered most in the Qualifiers, Al Aswad’s composure and knack for decisive goals underpin Syria’s return to the Finals. His leadership will be crucial against tough opposition.

Group C

Uzbekistan - Sadorbek Bakhromov
The midfielder has been making heads turn in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ for PFC Nasaf and his goalscoring abilities from midfield will be key to Uzbekistan hopes of winning the title for a second time.

Korea Republic - Kang Sang-yoon
Had a stellar season with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, playing 34 out of 38 games to help his club lift their 10th K-League 1 title. The midfielder's exploits saw him named in the Team of the Year, further boosting his confidence going into the tournament.

Islamic Republic of Iran - Mohammadjavad Hosseinnezhad
One of two players in the Iran squad who plays his club football abroad, Hosseinnezhad has been pivotal for Dynamo Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League and also contributed two goals in the Qualifiers.

Lebanon - Daniel Istambouli
A product of the US university system, Istambouli embodies Lebanon’s fearless approach. His energy, pressing and goals from midfield will be vital as the debutants take on Asia’s elite.

Group D

Iraq - Amoori Faisal
A standout in Iraq’s AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 campaign, there has been steady growth for Faisal with progression to the Under-23 stage. The midfielder will be expected to spearhead his nation’s challenge at Saudi Arabia 2023.

Australia - Nathanael Blair
Among the leading scorers in the Qualifiers, Blair’s pace and clinical finishing give Australia a potent attacking outlet as they seek a first title after having twice reached the semi-finals.

Thailand - Iklas Sanron
Iklas follows a long line of talented Thai attacking midfielders looking to make the grade on the international stage with the Prachuap FC player possessing dribbling qualities and keen eye for the final pass.

China PR - Wang Yudong
One of China PR’s standout attackers in the Qualifiers, Wang’s eye for goal offers hope for a side aiming to make a long overdue breakthrough at the tournament. His ability to seize key moments will define China PR’s campaign.

Click HERE for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025 squads.