The 2014 AFC U-16 Championship was the 16th edition of the biennial international youth football tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for players aged 16 and below. Thailand were approved as hosts of the competition on 25 April 2013. The tournament was held from 6 to 20 September 2014, with the top four teams qualifying for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

The 2012 AFC U-16 Championship was the 15th edition of the tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation. The AFC approved Iran as hosts of the championship on 23 November 2011. The top 4 teams qualified for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, hosted by the United Arab Emirates. Qualification for the tournament started in 2011.