Shenzhen, China is set to welcome young football talents from across Asia as the host nation for the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-20 (U-20) Asian Cup. The tournament, scheduled from February 12 to March 1, 2025, promises intense matches and thrilling moments for fans worldwide.
Group Draw Highlights
The recent group draw announced on Thursday placed China in Group A alongside Australia, Kyrgyzstan, and Qatar. This competitive group is expected to showcase some of the region's best young players.
The other groups are as follows:
- Group B: Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
- Group C: Uzbekistan, Iran, Indonesia, and Yemen
- Group D: Japan, South Korea, Syria, and Thailand
Tournament Structure
The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the semifinals and final. Additionally, the top four finishers will secure their spots in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for September 27 to October 19, 2025.
Looking Back
In the previous tournament, Uzbekistan clinched their first title by narrowly defeating Iraq 1-0 in the final held at home. China had a commendable run, finishing second in Group D after Japan and advancing to the quarterfinals, where they were bested by South Korea 3-1 in extra time.
This edition of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup is not only a platform for emerging football stars but also a celebration of youth, talent, and the unifying power of sports.
Reference(s):
China in same group with Australia at 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup
cgtn.com
