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Shaikh Salman: The foundation for Asian success on the global stage is stronger than ever

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Shaikh Salman: The foundation for Asian success on the global stage is stronger than ever

Kuala Lumpur: As the global football spotlight shifts to North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has delivered a definitive message of solidarity and support to the AFC’s representatives who stand on the precipice of football history.

The landmark 2026 edition introduces an unprecedented 48-team format, paving the way for Asia’s largest and most formidable delegation to take to the field. Leading this historic charge is a distinguished blend of established giants and maiden campaigners, with debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan carrying the unified pride of billions alongside Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

AFC Certificate in Football Leadership set to elevate leadership capabilities across Asia

Mon, 25 May, 2026

AFC Certificate in Football Leadership set to elevate leadership capabilities across Asia

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment to strengthening leadership capacity across its Member Associations (MAs) was reinforced once again with the commencement of the fourth AFC Certificate in Football Leadership (ACFL) on Monday.

First launched in June 2023, the programme reflects the AFC’s unwavering efforts to uphold its Vision of becoming the world’s leading Confederation by nurturing the next generation of football leaders.

Shaikh Salman: Naegohyang Women’s FC's title quest underscores the rising prestige of #AWCL

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman: Naegohyang Women’s FC's title quest underscores the rising prestige of #AWCL

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised Naegohyang Women’s FC on their landmark achievement after the DPR Korea club secured the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ title with a 1-0 victory over Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the Final at the Suwon Sports Complex in Korea Republic on Saturday.

The AFC President highlighted the maiden champions’ clinical performance throughout the tournament, which culminated in them lifting the trophy as only the second-ever winners of Asia’s premier women's club competition whilst also extending his commendations to the runners-up for their valiant display in reaching their first ever Final.

AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Sat, 23 May, 2026

AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has hailed Japan’s unprecedented dominance after the young Samurai Blue secured a record-extending fifth AFC U17 Asian Cup™ title.

A hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR in Friday’s final in Jeddah saw the East Asian giants add to their storied legacy of 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2023, further cementing their status as the Continent’s premier youth powerhouse.

Record-breaking 45 MAs commemorate 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Record-breaking 45 MAs commemorate 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day

Kuala Lumpur: A record-breaking 45 Member Associations (MAs) joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in celebrating the 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026.

The 2026 edition of the AFC’s annual event once again served as an excellent demonstration of the spirit of grassroots football that the Confederation continues to uphold by encouraging MAs to expand their reach and welcome people from all walks of life to experience the power of the beautiful game.

Battles to be unveiled for #AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers

Tue, 12 May, 2026

Battles to be unveiled for #AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The first step towards earning a coveted spot at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ will be taken with the Qualifiers Draw on May 28 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A cast of 44 teams are set to participate in the Qualifiers, which will take place for the 23rd occasion since first being implemented for the 1980 edition of the tournament.

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Mon, 18 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Kuala Lumpur: Following the thrilling conclusion of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has extended his warmest congratulations to DPR Korea for securing an unprecedented fifth continental crown after defeating rivals Japan 5-1 at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium.

Prior to Sunday’s Final, both teams stood deadlocked as the joint-most decorated nations with each holding four titles. With this monumental victory, DPR Korea retained the coveted silverware to stand tall as the most celebrated team in the competition's history.

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his warmest congratulations to Gamba Osaka following their 1-0 victory over Al Nassr Club in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Final at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on Saturday.

Defying an intense atmospheric challenge away from home, the landmark victory marks Gamba’s first major continental trophy since their famous 2008 AFC Champions League™ campaign. With this triumph, the Japanese side wrote an unprecedented chapter by becoming the first club in the East region to capture both the top-tier and second-tier titles in AFC club football.

Shaikh Salman pays tribute to Kuwait SC’s historic success

Thu, 14 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman pays tribute to Kuwait SC’s historic success

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Kuwait SC for capturing the AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ title after the West Asians overturned the deficit twice to defeat Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 4-3 in front of 44,000 roaring fans at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Ardiya, Kuwait on Wednesday.

Building on their proud legacy, Kuwait SC’s triumph marks a historic return to the pinnacle of the Continental podium for an impressive fourth time, adding the prestigious AFC Challenge League™ trophy to their illustrious haul of three AFC Cup™ crowns from 2009, 2012, and 2013.

Tickets for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ to launch with exclusive 48-hour window for Visa cardholders

Sun, 10 May, 2026

Tickets for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ to launch with exclusive 48-hour window for Visa cardholders

Riyadh: The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ is officially opening its doors to fans this week, beginning with an exclusive opportunity for Visa cardholders to lead the charge from today, May 10, 2026. As the tournament's Official Global Supporter, Visa is offering its cardholders a 48-hour priority window to secure tickets before the general public.

This launch follows the excitement of the Final Draw in Riyadh, which mapped out the journey for Asia’s top teams across the host cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. The exclusive pre-sale period begins at 20:27 Arabian Standard Time (AST) on May 10, providing Visa users with the first choice of seats across all 51 matches, including the highly anticipated opening fixture between Saudi Arabia and Palestine on January 7 and the eagerly anticipated Final on February 5.

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ primed for spectacular showdowns

Sun, 10 May, 2026

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ primed for spectacular showdowns

Diriyah: The ultimate stage has been set for Asia’s top 24 men’s national teams following the glittering AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw that took place on Saturday evening.

Amid the stunning backdrop of the Salwa Palace in Diriyah’s historic At-Turaif District, the six groups for next year’s showpiece were revealed and the official match schedule has now been confirmed. To get underway on January 7, the 19th edition of Asia’s crown jewel will run until February 5, 2027, with kick-off times to be finalised and updated on the-AFC.com in due course.

AFC appoints EA SPORTS FC™ as Official Licensed Product of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Wed, 06 May, 2026

AFC appoints EA SPORTS FC™ as Official Licensed Product of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Landmark global partnership will bring Asia's premier national team tournament to football fans in EA SPORTS FC™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced EA SPORTS FC™ as an Official Licensed Product of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, marking a landmark global licensing partnership for Asia's most prestigious men's national team tournament.