Riyadh, March 12, 2025 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has officially confirmed the completion of preparations to host the AFC U-17 Asian Cup finals, with the announcement coming on the heels of a successful inspection visit by officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia as it prepares to stage one of the region's most prestigious youth football tournaments, showcasing its growing influence on the global sports stage.
Following the inspection, the AFC has officially approved four key stadiums located in Jeddah and Taif as the tournament venues. These stadiums—King Abdullah Sports City (reserve stadium), Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, and King Fahd Sports City Stadium and Okaz Club Stadium in Taif—were chosen for their adherence to the highest technical standards and their ability to meet the strict hosting requirements set by the AFC. Their approval reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing world-class facilities and a seamless tournament experience.
In a statement, SAFF president Yasser bin Hassan Al-Misehal extended his gratitude to the leadership of Saudi Arabia for their steadfast support, which has played a crucial role in securing the hosting rights for major international sporting events. Al-Misehal emphasized that hosting the AFC U-17 Asian Cup is part of a broader strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a key player in global sports, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing portfolio of prestigious international tournaments. This event adds to an expanding list of high-profile competitions that have been successfully staged in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the country’s ambition to become a premier destination for global sporting events.
The AFC U-17 Asian Cup will take place from April 3 to April 20, 2025, with the four approved stadiums serving as the venues for the matches. The tournament is expected to attract considerable attention, with some of the region’s top youth teams vying for continental glory. The carefully selected venues in Jeddah and Taif will provide an ideal setting for these rising football stars, offering not only state-of-the-art facilities but also a unique atmosphere for fans to experience the thrill of top-level youth football.
As Saudi Arabia continues to push for a larger role in the international sports arena, the successful hosting of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup will undoubtedly contribute to its growing reputation as a world-class sports hub, ready to host more prestigious tournaments in the future. The excitement surrounding the tournament builds, as football enthusiasts in the Kingdom and beyond eagerly anticipate the start of the competition in April.