Volunteering Drives Readiness As 2026 AFC U-23 Cup Volunteers Complete Operational Trials In Saudi Arabia

The Local Organising Committee is using the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia as a major rehearsal for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia. The under-23 tournament will test operations, staffing and logistics ahead of the main continental showpiece.

The 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup is scheduled in the Kingdom from January 6 to 24. Sixteen national teams from across Asia will compete in matches hosted in Riyadh and Jeddah, providing a live environment to assess readiness for large-scale football events.

To prepare for this test event, the Local Organising Committee has stepped up practical training for its volunteer workforce. More than 600 volunteers have taken part in recent sessions designed to turn earlier theoretical lessons into applied skills for match operations and stadium support.

Training took place at the four competition venues: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium and Al-Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh, plus Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium and the auxiliary field at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. These locations mirror real match conditions for participants.

During the exercises, volunteers practised stadium navigation routes, role-specific duties and communication protocols. Match-day simulations helped teams rehearse crowd movement, emergency responses and coordination between different functional areas, building confidence for handling pressures during the official tournament schedule.

Orientation tours covered fan zones, team facilities, media workspaces and key support services. By visiting these areas in advance, volunteers gained familiarity with layouts and access points, supporting smoother operations once teams, spectators and journalists arrive for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup volunteer programme and legacy goals

The committee has introduced a Volunteer Passport scheme to keep engagement high across events. The document receives a stamp for every completed task, allowing volunteers to track their experience and build a clear record of participation through to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia.

This approach aims to strengthen long-term volunteer commitment and create a pool of experienced personnel for future tournaments. By applying international best practices, the Local Organising Committee is also supporting young Saudi talent and contributing to community participation goals set out in Saudi Vision 2030.

Through this expanded programme, volunteers are positioned at the centre of tournament delivery. Their preparation for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup is expected to support smooth operations, while also developing national skills needed to host major continental and international football competitions in the years ahead.

With inputs from SPA