AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020: All You Need to Know

With Uzbekistan aiming to defend their 2018 crown, and Olympic qualification awaiting three teams, there will be plenty on the line as Asia’s burgeoning stars begin a new decade.

With 32 matches ahead of us, and countless memorable moments sure to unfold, the-AFC.com details all you need to know about Thailand 2020.

THE VENUES

Thailand’s footballing home, Rajamangala Stadium will also serve as tournament HQ, hosting 10 matches including the final and the War Elephants Group A opener against Bahrain on Wednesday, with nearby Thammasat Stadium hosting a further 12 fixtures.

The picturesque seaside city of Songkhla will be the venue for five matches – all in Group C – while the renowned Buriram Stadium will bring the tournament to Thailand’s northeast, playing host to five fixtures in Group D.

THE KEY PLAYERS

The tournament will play host to Asia’s emerging prospects, some of whom are already well established at senior international level, while others will burst into the wider consciousness in the next three weeks.

Thailand’s Supachai Chaided carries the hopes of an expectant home nation on his shoulders, but he is just one of a bevy of talented youngsters set to take Asian football by storm in the 2020s.

THE FIXTURES

The competition begins on Wednesday with Iraq meeting Australia, before Thailand round out a blockbuster opening day with a clash against Bahrain.

The competition will close with the final at the Rajamangala Stadium on January 26.