Asian Games 2026/27

The football tournament at the Asian Games is an event organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) that distinguishes itself from standard continental championships through its age structure. Historically, the men's competition featured senior national teams until 1998. Since the 2002 edition in Busan, the format mirrors the Summer Olympics: squads consist of Under-23 players with a allowance for three over-age athletes. This arrangement serves as the principal qualification route for Asian nations to the Olympic Games.

The 2022 edition, staged in 2023 in Hangzhou, saw 21 men's teams enter the competition. The structure comprised a group stage followed by a knockout phase. Teams were split into six groups, with the top two finishers and the four best third-placed sides progressing to the Round of 16. Qualification relies heavily on the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, alongside automatic hosting rights.

South Korea stands as the dominant force in the men's history, securing six gold medals. Their most recent victory came in 2022 when they defeated Japan 2-1 in Beijing. Japan holds the record for the women's tournament, having won three titles, a tally shared with China and North Korea. In the 2022 women's final, Japan triumphed over North Korea with a 4-1 scoreline.

While the AFC Asian Cup remains the premier senior championship for Asia, the Asian Games football tournament operates on a different level. It provides a platform for younger talent to compete on a multi-sport stage. The event does not offer the same continental prestige as the senior cup but offers a critical pathway to global glory at the Olympics. The tournament remains a periodic fixture rather than a yearly league, bringing together teams from across the continent for short-term competition.