Hangzhou wins the bid to host the AFC U20 Asian Cup in 2027. [Photo/Tide News]

Hangzhou will host the AFC U20 Asian Cup in 2027, the Chinese Football Association confirmed on Dec 10.

This follows Shenzhen's staging of the 2025 U20 Asian Cup earlier this year, marking the second consecutive edition to be held in China.

The 2025 tournament ran from Feb 12 to March 1, with China impressing in the group stage before a 0-1 loss to Saudi Arabia ended their run in the quarterfinals. Securing hosting rights again gives the team another opportunity to compete for a FIFA U20 World Cup berth on home soil.

According to the AFC competition calendar, the 2027 U20 Asian Cup qualifiers will take place in August 2026. The finals are scheduled for March 24 to April 10, 2027, featuring 16 teams in four groups and a total of 31 matches.

Hangzhou's selection comes as no surprise. The city hosted China's home match against Australia in the third stage of the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in March, an international A-level event that drew more than 67,000 spectators — record attendance for a football match in China.

The AFC U20 Asian Cup, founded in 1959 and formerly known as the AFC Youth Championship, is one of Asia's premier youth tournaments. China previously hosted the event in 2010 and 2025; 2027 will mark the nation's third time as host.

The Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, with 80,800 seats, is China's second-largest stadium. [Photo/IC]