AFC Asian Cup U23 Qualifying

The AFC U-23 Asian Cup, previously the AFC U-22 Championship (in 2013) and AFC U-23 Championship (between 2016 and 2020), is a biennial international football competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the men's under-23 national teams of Asia. Each edition of the tournament that is in an even year is linked to the qualification process for the Olympic Games, whereby the top three teams in the tournament qualify directly and the fourth-placed team may enter an intercontinental play-off match depending on the slot allocations.

The first edition was initially set to be held in 2013 and its qualification matches in 2012, but the finals tournament was postponed to be played in January 2014 due to the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup. In 2016 the tournament was also renamed from the "AFC U-22 Championship" to the "AFC U-23 Championship". The tournament was rebranded as the "AFC U-23 Asian Cup" in 2021.

In July 2023, the AFC announced that each non-Olympic edition of the tournament would be hosted by the same association hosting the next AFC Asian Cup. However, on 24 May 2024, AFC announced that the tournament will be held quadrennially from 2028, effectively discontinued the non-Olympic qualifiers’ editions from 2030.

The AFC Asian Cup U23 Qualifying tournament is an exciting and highly anticipated soccer event that brings together the best young talent from across Asia. Organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), this tournament serves as a qualifying stage for the AFC Asian Cup U23, which is a prestigious competition for under-23 national teams.

The AFC Asian Cup U23 Qualifying tournament features teams from various Asian countries, all vying for a chance to secure their spot in the main tournament. The participating teams showcase their skills, tactics, and teamwork in intense matches, creating an electrifying atmosphere for both players and fans.

This tournament not only provides a platform for young players to showcase their abilities but also serves as a stepping stone towards their professional careers. Scouts and talent spotters from clubs around the world closely follow the matches, looking for emerging talents who could potentially make a mark in the global soccer scene.

The AFC Asian Cup U23 Qualifying tournament is known for its high level of competition and fierce rivalries. The matches are played with great intensity and passion, as teams battle it out on the field to secure their place in the prestigious AFC Asian Cup U23. The tournament showcases the diversity of playing styles and strategies employed by teams from different regions of Asia, making it a captivating spectacle for soccer enthusiasts.

With its rich history and tradition, the AFC Asian Cup U23 Qualifying tournament has become a significant event in the Asian soccer calendar. It not only promotes the growth and development of young players but also strengthens the bonds between nations through the universal language of soccer.