Riyadh: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Secretary-General Datuk Seri Windsor John stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's hosting of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 represents a genuine platform for the continent's future stars and reflects the remarkable progress the Kingdom has achieved in organizing and hosting Asian tournaments across various age categories. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, he noted that the organizational successes achieved by the Kingdom in youth competitions, along with hosting advanced stages of the AFC Champions League Elite, constitute a continuation of an ascending path of excellence and strengthen the Kingdom's position as an influential strategic partner in developing Asian football and contributing to decision-making within the continental federation.

According to Saudi Press Agency, he stressed that the support extended to the sports sector by the Kingdom's leadership has been a key factor in the strength of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, noting that ongoing preparations reflect advanced readiness and ambition to deliver an exceptional edition that enhances Saudi Arabia's standing as a prominent sports and tourism destination across the continent.

The secretary-general called on football fans across Asia to visit the Kingdom, closely follow the continent's stars, and enjoy an experience that combines football competition and Saudi hospitality, highlighting that the continued organizational successes of Asian competitions in the Kingdom contribute to consolidating its sporting legacy and pave the way toward hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034, amid growing confidence in its organizational capabilities and pivotal role in the future of Asian football.