ASIAD 2026 continues to face uncertainties, with one team at risk of elimination

The U23 Australia team is not part of the Olympic Council of Asia, which threatens their chance to compete in ASIAD 2026.

According to several regional media sources, the prospects for the men's football event at the 2026 Asian Games are becoming unpredictable. Changes in regulations by governing bodies have left many youth teams waiting in uncertainty, while also opening doors for some teams previously thought to have no chance.

Specifically, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have agreed that only teams qualifying for the final round of the 2026 U23 Asian Championship will be eligible to participate in ASIAD. This marks a significant shift, as previously countries could register without performance restrictions in continental competitions.

The most obvious consequence is that U23 Indonesia is almost certainly out of the competition. The Indonesian team was eliminated in the qualifiers and thus does not meet the new criteria. This news has disappointed local media, as they had hoped for a spot to gain experience for their young players.

Meanwhile, the situation for U23 Australia is different. Although the team belongs to the AFC, it is not a member of the OCA, leaving their acceptance uncertain. If the worst-case scenario happens, the spot might be given to the next best second-place team in the group rankings.

According to Bola, India has emerged as a strong contender. They rank fifth among the best second-placed teams, close enough to be considered if a spot becomes available. However, all awaits the official decision from AFC and OCA soon.

In Southeast Asia, only Vietnam and Thailand meet the new requirements. U23 Vietnam even finished third in the tournament, almost guaranteeing their place at ASIAD. The sudden change in criteria has disrupted the plans of many football associations, especially Indonesia, affecting their squad preparation and long-term goals.

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