China, as the host nation for the 2025 AFC Under-20 Asian Cup, has been drawn into Group A alongside Australia, Kyrgyzstan, and Qatar. The draw, announced on Thursday, sets the stage for an exciting tournament as China prepares to welcome some of Asia’s most promising young football talents to Shenzhen in south China’s Guangdong Province.
The 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, scheduled from February 12 to March 1, 2025, will see 16 teams competing for the prestigious title and qualification spots for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, with the top four finishers earning a place on the world stage later that year.
Group B features Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), promising intense competition among West Asian football powerhouses. In Group C, defending champions Uzbekistan will face Iran, Indonesia, and Yemen. Group D brings together Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Syria, and Thailand, setting up a challenging group with some of East Asia’s strongest teams.
Two years prior, Uzbekistan clinched their first AFC U-20 Asian Cup title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Iraq in the final held in Tashkent. China reached the quarterfinals in that tournament, advancing as the second team from Group D behind Japan but falling to the ROK 3-1 in extra time.
As hosts, China will aim to capitalize on home advantage to advance deep into the tournament and secure a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Football fans across Asia will be watching closely as the next generation of stars take to the pitch in Shenzhen.
The anticipation builds as the tournament approaches, promising thrilling matches and showcasing the future talents of Asian football. With the group stage set, teams will now prepare to compete at the highest level in pursuit of continental glory and a chance to represent Asia on the world stage in Chile.
Reference(s):
China in same group with Australia at 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup
cgtn.com
