THE Myanmar U23 national football team is finalizing preparations for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, which it will host and compete in Group B matches.
This year, the Myanmar U23 team will participate in three international tournaments, with the AFC U23 Championship scheduled as the second, from 3 to 9 September. The team has been preparing for international competitions since March, including two friendly matches against Hong Kong U23 in Yangon during International Match Week, and two friendlies against China U23 in China during June’s International Match Week.
Earlier this year, Myanmar U23 drew both group-stage matches in the ASEAN U23 Championship against Timor-Leste and Thailand and exited at the group stage. The team will not play any international friendlies immediately before the AFC U23 Championship. Under Japanese head coach Kurosaki, the squad is training with around 30 players, with the final 23 to be selected closer to the tournament.
In Group B of the AFC U23 Championship, Myanmar will face Japan, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Matches will be held at Thuwunna Youth Training Centre in Yangon. On 3 September, Myanmar will play Kuwait at 4 pm and Japan will face Afghanistan at 7 pm. On 6 September, Myanmar meets Japan at 4 pm and Afghanistan plays Kuwait at 7 pm. On 9 September, Myanmar will face Afghanistan at 4 pm, and Japan will play Kuwait at 7 pm.
The tournament consists of 11 groups, with the group winners and the four best runners-up, making a total of 15 teams advancing. — Ko Nyi Lay/KZL
