In a move reflecting Saudi Arabia's high level of preparedness to host major sporting events, the organizing committee announced the participation of 600 male and female volunteers in organizing the seventh edition of the AFC U-23 Championship 2026. The cities of Riyadh and Jeddah are scheduled to host the tournament from January 6 to 24, amidst continental anticipation for the participation of 16 elite teams from across Asia.
Sports volunteering: A key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030
This organizational initiative coincides with the world's celebration of International Volunteer Day, observed annually on December 5th. This timing is not merely coincidental, but rather a practical embodiment of one of the key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , which places volunteer work at the heart of the "Vibrant Society" pillar. The Kingdom aims to reach one million volunteers by 2030, with the sports sector playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal by engaging youth in the management of global events, thereby reinforcing the values of giving back and national pride.
Precise selection criteria and professional training
The local organizing committee for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup (which also oversees this preparatory tournament) revealed a rigorous selection process for applicants. The 600 volunteers were chosen from a database of over 5,000 registered applicants, reflecting the high level of interest and community desire to participate.
To ensure the tournament is a success, those accepted undergo an intensive training program:
- Number of hours: 12 training hours per volunteer.
- Type of training: Combines general and specialized skills.
- Areas of work include: media operations, protocol, marketing, medical services, stadium management, transportation, accommodation, and workforce management.
Accumulation of experience: from local to continental
The organizing committee's management of volunteering is based on a global methodology and accumulated experience gained from organizing previous events. Its teams have successfully led volunteer efforts in three recent major tournaments, achieving remarkable results
- 2,520 volunteer hours completed in the city of Abha.
- Completion of 35,700 volunteer hours in Jeddah and Taif.
These experiences included organizing tournaments such as the Gulf Cup Under 20, the Asian Junior Cup Under 17, as well as the final rounds of the AFC Champions League Elite for the 2024/2025 season.
The importance of the event and its future impact
2026 AFC U-23 Championship holds strategic importance that transcends its status as a mere sporting competition; it serves as a true "dress rehearsal" and practical test of the Kingdom's capabilities before hosting the larger event, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup . This tournament helps to test the infrastructure of the stadiums in Riyadh and Jeddah, assess the efficiency of the human resources, and ensure the smooth logistical operations for receiving delegations and fans.
This event also enhances Saudi Arabia’s position as a global sports destination and confirms its growing ability to host international events to the highest standards, paving the way for greater ambitions, including hosting the 2034 World Cup, to establish the Kingdom as a sporting, economic and tourism hub in the region.
