IR Iran held; Thailand triumphant

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

IR Iran held; Thailand triumphant

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran and Cape Verde played to a goalless stalemate in an international friendly played on Thursday as both teams started preparations towards the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Iran are one of eight Asian teams who have already secured their spot in the global showpiece that will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States while Cape Verde who are first-time qualifiers.

With neither side able to find the breakthrough in regulation time, the match went to penalties with Mehdi Taremi’s strike ensuring Iran won 5-4.

Melbourne's Matricciani delighted; Ho Chi Minh City's Nguyen glad to pass Stallion test

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

Melbourne's Matricciani delighted; Ho Chi Minh City's Nguyen glad to pass Stallion test

Ho Chi Minh City: Michael Matricciani was left understandably pleased after seeing his Melbourne City FC get off to a great start in their AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2025/26 Group A campaign.

Last season’s runners-up, Melbourne exhibited dominance in the 5-0 victory against Lion City Sailors FC with Matricciani pleased to see how his side grew increasingly confident with every passing minute in the game.

Preview: Round of 32

Wed, 12 Nov, 2025

Preview: Round of 32

Doha: Asia will have four representatives in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Round of 32.

While the knockout stage kicks off on Friday, the Asian teams will enter the battle field on Saturday, with each facing quality opposition.

The-AFC.com previews the Asian challenge, with DPR Korea, Japan, Korea Republic and Uzbekistan all hoping to go all the way.

Asian trio shortlisted for FIFA Best Awards

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

Asian trio shortlisted for FIFA Best Awards

Kuala Lumpur: Three Asian players are in the running for the game's most prestigious honours, the FIFA Puskas Award and FIFA Marta Award.

Indonesia’s Rizky Ridho, DPR Korea’s Jon Ryong Jong and Australia’s Kyra Cooney-Cross were announced as finalists in their respective categories on Thursday.

Mancini takes charge of Al Sadd

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

Mancini takes charge of Al Sadd

Doha: Qatar's Al Sadd SC announced on Thursday that they had hired former Manchester City and Italy boss Roberto Mancini as their new head coach.

"Roberto Mancini has signed as Al Sadd's coach for 2.5 seasons," the club posted on social media, alongside photos of Mancini, with pen in hand and also holding a club shirt with his name on the back.

Playoffs Knockout Stage - 1st Leg: UAE 1-1 Iraq

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

Playoffs Knockout Stage - 1st Leg: UAE 1-1 Iraq

Abu Dhabi: Iraq and the United Arab Emirates will go into Tuesday’s second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage with the tie evenly poised after sharing a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi on Thursday that keeps their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification hopes alive.

Ali Al Hamadi gave the Iraqis the lead in the 10th minute at a sold-out Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium but a Luanzinho header eight minutes later means the teams will go into the return clash in Basra with nothing between them.

The winners of the two-legged clash will advance to the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs, which will be held in March, when the last two remaining places at the 48-team Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be at stake.