The Asian national teams participating in the AFC U-23 Championship Saudi Arabia 2026 officially begun arriving in Riyadh and Jeddah, marking the start of the countdown to the continental football tournament hosted by Saudi Arabia from January 6 to 24. This event will feature 16 of Asia's top teams competing for the title in a highly competitive atmosphere.
A warm welcome and comprehensive logistical arrangements
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah witnessed a steady flow of activity as participating national teams arrived in succession. The reception ceremonies were conducted according to meticulous organizational and operational plans adopted by the organizing committee, facilitating entry procedures and completing formalities in record time, and arranging transportation of the delegations via dedicated buses to their accommodations in designated hotels.
The local organizing committee for the 2027 Asian Cup (which also oversees this tournament) is working in coordination with all governmental and service agencies to ensure the highest standards of comfort and hospitality for the delegations, reflecting the authentic Saudi identity and the Kingdom’s enormous organizational capabilities.
Host stadiums and infrastructure readiness
The tournament matches will be held on four main courts equipped with the latest technology, namely:
- In Riyadh: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium, and Al Shabab Club Stadium.
- In Jeddah: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium (which will host the opening and closing matches), and the reserve stadium at King Abdullah Sports City.
Upon arrival, the teams moved to their accommodations to begin their training and recovery programs, with the stadiums and training facilities fully prepared, ensuring an ideal environment for competition.
A true rehearsal for the 2027 Asian Cup and the Kingdom's sports vision
The Kingdom's hosting of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup holds significant strategic importance that transcends the current competition; this tournament serves as a key milestone and practical test in the preparations for hosting the larger event, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup . Through this event, the Kingdom aims to confirm the readiness of its sports facilities and human resources to manage major events.
This hosting aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , which places great importance on the sports sector. In recent years, the Kingdom has become a preferred global destination for major sporting events across various disciplines. The tournament also reflects the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's commitment to developing youth categories and providing strong competitive opportunities for young players, who form the core of future national teams in Asia.
