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S-final: Koizumi strike steers Japan past Korea Republic

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

S-final: Koizumi strike steers Japan past Korea Republic

Jeddah: Japan defeated a resurgent Korea Republic 1-0 to advance to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final on Tuesday.

Kaito Koizumi’s first half goal proved decisive with Japan moving within a match of not only lifting the trophy for a record-extending third time but also to become the first team to emerge champions in consecutive editions. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/photo/s-final-japan-v-korea-republic

#ACFutsal2026 challengers set for Indonesia showdown

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

#ACFutsal2026 challengers set for Indonesia showdown

Kuala Lumpur: Thrilling battles await at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ when it kicks off on January 27 (Tuesday) in Jakarta as 16 teams chase ultimate glory.

The 18th edition of the tournament features a host of familiar contenders, with 13 returning from the previous campaign in 2024, including the ever-present quartet of Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Thailand and Uzbekistan, who extend their record of appearing in every Finals to date.

Europe Wrap: First goals for Kim, Hwang

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Europe Wrap: First goals for Kim, Hwang

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic’s Kim Min-jae and Hwang In-beom claimed their first goals of the season for Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and Eredivise’s Feyenoord respectively. 

Both internationals were making a comeback following injuries - Kim made the starting line-up for the first time in three matches while Hwang returned to the pitch in mid-December last year.

Other continental stars also found the back of the net or assisted goals, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

Japan remain Asia's best despite drop

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Japan remain Asia's best despite drop

Kuala Lumpur: Japan dropped one spot but remained the highest Asian team in the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Monday.

Four-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Japan slipped to 19th, with several other Asian sides also suffering drops.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-saudi-arabia-2026-|-semi-finals-preview

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal, Al Gharafa firmly in charge

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal, Al Gharafa firmly in charge

Doha: Al Hilal SFC widened their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League with two crucial wins the past week while Al Gharafa SC showed no signs of slowing down in Qatar.

Al Ain suffered a setback in the UAE Pro League while there were also matches in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and Syria.

Join the-AFC.com as we review the past week's domestic action across West Asia.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Sepahan stay in pole; Maziya continue winning run

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Sepahan stay in pole; Maziya continue winning run

Tehran: Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC remained at the top of the Iran Pro League as second-placed and 16-time champions Persepolis lost ground after falling to newcomers Fajr Sepasi. 

Maziya Sports and Recreation Club are on course for their second consecutive championship in the Maldives’ Dhivehi Premier League, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Buriram blitz; Perfect Sailors

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

ASEAN Wrap: Buriram blitz; Perfect Sailors

Kuala Lumpur: A packed week across ASEAN football delivered goals, drama and big statements at both ends of the table, with several title contenders showing their quality when it mattered most.

In Thailand, Buriram United produced the performance of the round with an eight-goal blitz to remain comfortably clear at the summit, while Singapore’s Lion City Sailors FC maintained their flawless start to keep full control of the early pace in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, the pressure stayed high across multiple races as Kaya FC–Iloilo continued to track the Philippines’ leaders step for step, and Preah Khan Rach Svay Rieng FC edged a five-goal thriller in Cambodia to preserve their narrow advantage at the top.

There were also matches in Australia, Malaysia and Myanmar so join the-AFC.com in our weekly wrap of club football across ASEAN.

Herdman vows to lead Indonesia to greater heights

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Herdman vows to lead Indonesia to greater heights

Jakarta: New Indonesia head coach John Herdman has said he will look to harness the enthusiasm of the nation’s passionate support to lead the country into uncharted territory, including at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, after replacing Patrick Kluivert at the helm.

The Englishman, who led Canada to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, was unveiled last week and has already been impressed by the welcome he has received in the Southeast Asian nation.

Vietnam’s Tran, China PR’s Liu relishing showdown

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Vietnam’s Tran, China PR’s Liu relishing showdown

Jeddah: Vietnam’s Tran Trung Kien and China PR’s Liu Hoafan have promised their respective sides will spare no effort when the teams meet in the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

While Vietnam are seeking to go all the way after finishing runners-up in 2018, China PR are featuring in the semi-finals for the first time but will have the psychological advantage of not having lost to their Southeast Asian opponents in three previous meetings. 

Traditional rivalry fuels Japan’s Sato, Korea Republic’s Lee

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Traditional rivalry fuels Japan’s Sato, Korea Republic’s Lee

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato and Lee Hyun-yong have promised a battle till the end when Japan and Korea Republic square off in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals on Tuesday.

Traditional rivals, the sides have met three times previously in the competition - most notably the 2016 final where Korea Republic led 2-0 before Japan came back to win 3-2.