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The AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 kicks off on April 15 with 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.
As the teams enter their final phase of preparations and excitement begins to build, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the previous editions of the tournament.
Five tournaments, five champions
The tournament awaits it first two-time champions with Iraq, Japan, Uzbekistan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia all previous winners.
Saudi Arabia end long wait
Having lost in the 2013 and 2020 finals to Iraq and South Korea respectively, Saudi Arabia ended their long wait for the title by defeating Uzbekistan in the 2022 decider.
Japan stop South Korea’s run
Japan’s 3-0 win against South Korea in the quarterfinals of the 2022 edition meant their East Asian rivals failed to advance to the semifinals for the first time in the history of the tournament, with the Young Taegeuk Warriors having finished fourth in 2013, runners-up in 2016, fourth again two years later before emerging the 2020 champions.
Back in Qatar
Having hosted the 2016 edition, Qatar will be the first nation to host the AFC U23 Asian Cup for a second time, having also become the first to host the AFC Asian Cup three times.
Vietnam odd ones out
Besides the former champions, Vietnam are the only team to have featured in the final of any of the previous five editions, losing to Uzbekistan in the 2018 final.
Regular challengers
Australia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan have the honour of having featured in every previous edition of the tournament, with the seven also among the cast of 16 for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024.
Uzbekistan impress in recent editions
Champions in 2018, fourth two years and the 2022 runners-up, Uzbekistan have been the team to watch in the recent editions of the tournament, having not advanced past the group stage in their first two appearances.
Olympic Games lure
The AFC U23 Asian Cup has served as the qualification pathway to the Olympic Games since the 2016 edition. Three automatic slots to the Paris Olympics and a possible fourth through a playoff will be at stake in Qatar 2024.
