Saudi Arabia U-21 football team defeats Qatar at Nagoya 2026 Asian Games

The Saudi Arabian Under-21 national football team secured a 2-0 victory against Qatar in their opening match of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, 2026. Mohammed Barnawi scored the first goal in the 37th minute, followed by Iyad Hosa in the 47th minute. The team is scheduled to face South Korea next to compete for the top spot in Group Four.

In preparation for the opening ceremony at Palomino Mizuho Stadium, the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee selected fencer Khalifa Al-Amiri and boxer Yara Al-Amri to carry the national flag. Al-Amiri is noted as the first Saudi to win a medal at the World Fencing Championships, while Al-Amri holds a bronze from the Elite Asian Boxing Championship.

Additionally, Abdulaziz Baeshen, CEO and Secretary General of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, presented Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the sixth Asian Games in December. The presentation, delivered during an Asian Olympic Council executive meeting chaired by Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, detailed Riyadh’s readiness regarding facilities, the athletes' village, and logistical, medical, and media services.