Infrastructure in Riyadh and Jeddah Set to Host AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026
Anticipation is building for the seventh AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™, one of Asia's premier youth competitions and a pivotal opportunity to showcase the readiness of Riyadh and Jeddah's sports facilities and operational systems before the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.
Running from January 6-24, 2026, the event will see 16 Asian teams compete across four groups at state-of-the-art facilities, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's national plan to develop sports infrastructure and showcase its readiness to host world-class sporting events.
Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium is one of Riyadh’s designated host venues and stands as one of the capital’s best-known sporting landmarks, with a long and established connection to Saudi football. With a capacity of 22,000, it has staged numerous pivotal Saudi Pro League games, as well as continental finals and major multi-sport events. This depth of experience has made it a proven benchmark for crowd management and matchday operations. Located around 45 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, the stadium will host six group-stage games during the tournament.
Also in the capital, Al Shabab Club Stadium is set to play a key supporting role as one of the tournament venues. The club-owned ground is used for domestic fixtures, training, and day-to-day operations, and seats roughly 15,000 fans. Its selection adds depth to the hosting plan and provides another live test of operational readiness and smooth on-site delivery. The stadium is scheduled to stage six group-stage games.
In Jeddah, Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City remains one of the city’s most recognizable football stages. Closely linked to landmark moments in Saudi football, the venue has since undergone a comprehensive upgrade to meet continental requirements. With a capacity of 25,000, it has hosted domestic finals, international qualifiers, and high-profile friendlies, reinforcing its ability to meet the technical and organizational demands of major tournaments. Located about 30 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport, it will host 10 games, including the opening game and the final.
Completing Jeddah’s venue list is the auxiliary stadium at King Abdullah Sports City, widely known as the Jawhara Auxiliary Stadium. The 10,000-seat venue will also host 10 games, including both semifinals and the third-place playoff. Its inclusion expands operational options and strengthens the overall readiness of the tournament’s stadium network. The venue is approximately 20 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Together, these historic and upgraded venues underscore Saudi Arabia’s readiness to stage major continental tournaments, reinforcing its rising profile on the Asian and global football map. The build-up reflects a wider ambition centered on unity, inspiration, and a shared love of the game that brings fans together across the region and beyond.
The Local Organizing Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia™ 2027 has also confirmed that tickets for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia™ 2026 are now available through the Asian Football Confederation’s official website at (http://www.the-afc.com).
