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#ACLTwo contenders gear up for knockout battles

Wed, 04 Feb, 2026

#ACLTwo contenders gear up for knockout battles

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2025/26™ is set for a thrilling return to action when the Knockout Stage kicks off on February 10 (Tuesday).

Sixteen clubs will continue their quest for glory in the two-legged showdowns, with the pairings—as well as the route to the Final—determined during a draw in December.

AFC receives bids to host for AFC Asian Cup 2035™

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

AFC receives bids to host for AFC Asian Cup 2035™

Kuala Lumpur: Following the proposal put forward by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa at the 35th AFC Congress to explore the possibility of presenting the host selections for both the 2031 and 2035 editions of the AFC Asian Cup™ for approval at a single Congress, the AFC has concluded the process of receiving bids from interested Member Associations (MAs) for the AFC Asian Cup 2035™.

The bidding process for the AFC Asian Cup 2031™ was completed last year and attracted strong interest from across the Continent. Subsequently, and in line with the AFC President's forward-looking approach, invitations to bid for the 2035 edition were circulated to MAs on August 27, 2025, with the submission window closing on December 31, 2025.

#WAC2026 one-month countdown begins with Trophy Road Trip

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

#WAC2026 one-month countdown begins with Trophy Road Trip

Perth: The one-month countdown to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ got underway in spectacular fashion at Scarborough Beach in Perth, where the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee launched the official AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Trophy Road Trip.

Set against Western Australia’s iconic coastline, the launch offered fans a rare chance to get up close to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ trophy, the most prestigious silverware in women’s football in Asia.

Hybrid ACFAM programme graduates in Indonesia poised for leadership excellence

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

Hybrid ACFAM programme graduates in Indonesia poised for leadership excellence

Jakarta: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s groundbreaking AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management (ACFAM) hybrid programme today celebrated its latest batch of graduates, who will now set their sights on more meaningful contributions to the Asian game.

The 10 graduates were part of a unique hybrid initiative that was delivered as part of the Garuda Academy’s CORE 3 and CORE 4 Programme, in collaboration with the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

18th AFC Knowledge Sharing Programme kicks off

Wed, 28 Jan, 2026

18th AFC Knowledge Sharing Programme kicks off

Kuala Lumpur: The 18th iteration of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP) commenced on Wednesday, marking the first edition of the initiative in 2026.

The programme will feature one participant from the Syrian Football Association, who will be assigned to the AFC Referees Department from January 28 to February 13.

AFC welcomes McDonald’s as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Wed, 28 Jan, 2026

AFC welcomes McDonald’s as Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced McDonald’s as an Official Regional Partner of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, marking a landmark collaboration between Asia’s premier women’s national team competition and one of Australia’s and the world’s most iconic brands.

Under the partnership, McDonald’s Australia – popularly known in the country as Macca’s – will support the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ across Australia, building on its long-standing connection with sport, local communities and fans. From in-restaurant visits to at-home matchday moments, the partnership will create multiple touchpoints for supporters to connect with the tournament wherever and however they choose to watch the action whilst enjoying their Macca’s.

Audrey Nuna to headline AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ opening ceremony

Tue, 27 Jan, 2026

Audrey Nuna to headline AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ opening ceremony

Perth: Adding to the excitement of the highly anticipated AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee have today confirmed KPop Demon Hunters star Audrey Nuna as the headline act at the Opening Ceremony on March 1, 2026.

Widely recognised as one of the most influential emerging voices in global pop culture, Audrey Nuna is best known for lending her singing voice to Mira in the global hit film KPop Demon Hunters and will take to the stage ahead of the opening match between Australia and the Philippines at Perth Stadium.

Japan’s historic triumph applauded by Shaikh Salman

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan’s historic triumph applauded by Shaikh Salman

Jeddah: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated Japan for securing a record-extending third AFC U23 Asian Cup™ title after the young Samurai Blue defeated China PR 4-0 in a riveting final at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

Kosei Ogura’s brace and a goal apiece from Yuto Ozeki and Ryunosuke Sato sealed Japan's victory, making them the first team to defend the title and lift the coveted trophy for a third time.

New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ brand built to inspire

Thu, 22 Jan, 2026

New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ brand built to inspire

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ today revealed the new brand identity for the 19th edition of Asia’s crown jewel, with less than a year to kick-off.

Designed to feel confident, contemporary and full of energy, and shaped by a vision to inspire the next generation of footballers and fans across the Continent, the bold and contemporary visual identity reflects the unique spirit and culture of the hosts, while also celebrating the unifying power of Asian football.

Key reforms to youth competitions recommended

Sat, 24 Jan, 2026

Key reforms to youth competitions recommended

Jeddah: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment towards elevating the standards of its top-level competitions, as outlined in its Vision and Mission, marked a significant milestone today after the AFC Competitions Committee recommended measures aimed at further enhancing the Confederation’s youth competitions at its fifth meeting held in Saudi Arabia.

Led by Chairperson Dr Tran Quoc Tuan, the Committee took the opportunity to wish the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ finalists – China PR and Japan – the very best of success ahead of today’s decider at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah and applauded the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for their impeccable hosting capabilities.

FFC’s youth development drive recognised with AFC Elite Youth Scheme one-star membership

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

FFC’s youth development drive recognised with AFC Elite Youth Scheme one-star membership

Phnom Penh: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has welcomed the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) as the latest one-star member under the acclaimed AFC Elite Youth Scheme.

The endorsement followed an on-site assessment by AFC Youth Panel members, who were pleased to note the Federation’s commitment to the long-term improvement of its youth football landscape.

HKFA Football Care Programme unites communities in Hong Kong, China

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

HKFA Football Care Programme unites communities in Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong, China: The Football Association of Hong Kong, China Limited (HKFA)’s efforts to expand the reach of grassroots football gathered momentum in 2025, as the HKFA Football Care Programme, which commenced in 2024, continued to deliver meaningful impact across the community.

The programme has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture that reflects the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s philosophy of the beautiful game belonging to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.