The 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup is an under-23 international football tournament organised by the Asian Football Confederation, held in Saudi Arabia from 6 to 27 January 2026. Sixteen national teams participated. Each team was required to register a final squad of 18 to 23 players, including at least three goalkeepers, with only registered players eligible to compete. Eligible players had to be born on or after 1 January 2003.
Teams were required to submit a preliminary list of 18 to 50 players, including at least four goalkeepers, via the AFC Administration System (AFCAS) no later than 30 days before their first match. Up to five players could be added or replaced on the preliminary list up to seven days before the first match, provided the maximum limit was not exceeded. Final squad lists of 18 to 23 players had to be submitted at least 10 days before the first match, and all selected players had to be drawn from the preliminary list.
The AFC published the final squad lists, including squad numbers, on 4 January 2026. After submission, teams were permitted to replace players up to six hours before their first match, with replacements limited to players from the preliminary list.
Player ages are listed as of 6 January 2026, the opening day of the tournament. Players shown in bold have been capped at senior international level.
Group A Jordan Jordan announced their final squad on 23 December 2025. On 7 January 2025, Ali Azaizeh replaced Ahmad Al-Moghrabi due to a back injury.
Head coach: Omar Najhi
Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan announced 25-men preliminary squad on 22 December 2025. The final squad was announced by the AFC on 3 January 2026.
Head coach: Edmar
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia announced their final squad on 1 January 2026.
Head coach: Luigi Di Biagio
Vietnam Vietnam announced their 25-men preliminary squad on 22 December 2025. On 26 December 2025, Đặng Tuấn Phong withdrew injured, shortening the preliminary list into 24 players. On 31 December 2025, Nguyễn Tân withdrew injured and was replaced by Phạm Đình Hải. On 4 January 2026, Bùi Vĩ Hào withdrew injured and was replaced by Nguyễn Lê Phát. The final squad was announced on 5 January 2026.
Head coach: Kim Sang-sik
Group B Japan Japan announced their final squad on 29 December 2025.
Head coach: Go Oiwa
Qatar Qatar announced their final squad on 3 January 2026.
Head coach: Ilídio Vale
Syria Syria announced their final squad on 3 January 2026.
Head coach: Jehad Al-Hussain
United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates announced their final squad on 3 January 2026.
Head coach: Marcelo Broli
Group C Iran Iran announced their final squad on 23 December 2025.
Head coach: Omid Ravankhah
Lebanon Lebanon announced their final squad on 1 January 2026.
Head coach: Jamal Taha
South Korea South Korea announced their final squad on 21 December 2025.
Head coach: Lee Min-sung
Uzbekistan Uzbekistan announced their final squad on 1 January 2026.
Head coach: Ravshan Khaydarov
Group D Australia Australia announced their final squad on 29 December 2025.
Head coach: Tony Vidmar
China China announced their preliminary squad on 4 December 2025. The final squad was announced by the CFA on 7 January 2026.
Head coach: Antonio Puche
Iraq Iraq announced their final squad on 27 December 2025.
Head coach: Emad Mohammed
Thailand Thailand announced their final squad on 26 December 2025.
Head coach: Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul
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