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Asian Stars to watch

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Asian Stars to watch

Kuala Lumpur: Asia will be represented by nine teams at the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 which kicks off on Thursday.

It promises to be a thrilling campaign for all of the Asian sides, with each bidding to create history.

As we get set for the action, the-AFC.com highlights a key player for each of the Asian teams at the global showpiece. 

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore. 

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup 2026 only two days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article. 

Focus: Group G

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group G

Paris: Egypt's Mohamed Salah and Belgium stalwarts Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois head into Group G at the FIFA World Cup 2026 knowing this summer's tournament will likely be their last chance for glory on football's biggest stage.

Their respective countries have been drawn together into the same pool, alongside New Zealand and Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iraq hold Spain; IR Iran ease past Mali

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Iraq hold Spain; IR Iran ease past Mali

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq fought back to hold European champions Spain to a 1-1 draw while Islamic Republic of Iran cruised 2-0 past Mali in international friendlies ahead of their respective FIFA World Cup 2026 opening fixtures.

Graham Arnold's Iraq face Norway in their Group I opener, while IR Iran begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand.

Taremi, Jahanbakhsh to front IR Iran

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Taremi, Jahanbakhsh to front IR Iran

Istanbul: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Amir ⁠Ghalenoei placed his faith in veterans Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh as he named his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad on Monday.

Taremi, 33, who plays for ⁠Olympiacos, and former Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jahanbakhsh, will ​lead the attack ‌in the tournament.

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Thu, 28 May, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ Qualifiers are set to be a scintillating affair following the Official Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

To be staged between August 25 and September 6, 2026 in a centralised league system, these Qualifiers will feature the implementation of a new format as part of key reforms to the AFC’s youth competitions that were ratified earlier this year.

Designed to ensure more meaningful matches and opportunities for teams to compete against opponents of similar technical competency, a two-phase system featuring a promotion and relegation mechanism has been introduced.

Know your team: IR Iran

Tue, 26 May, 2026

Know your team: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will take it one step at a time at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they bid to make history at the global showpiece.

Three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners, Iran have been at the forefront of Asian football for decades and will be on a mission to translate that success onto the global stage.

Europe Wrap: Cheers and tears for Asia’s best as season ends

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Europe Wrap: Cheers and tears for Asia’s best as season ends

Kuala Lumpur: With major European leagues officially closed for the season, there was much cheer for Japan’s Daizen Maeda, Korea Republic’s Lee Kang-in and his countryman Kim Min-jae, who were part of championship-winning squads in Scotland, France and Germany.

There was also disappointment for other continental stars as their clubs were relegated, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

#AsianCup2027 - The Groups

Mon, 11 May, 2026

#AsianCup2027 - The Groups

Riyadh: Fans can expect a scintillating AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ following Saturday's Final Draw in Riyadh.

While the usual teams will start as the pre-tournament favourites, the continental showpiece has a tendency of producing surprises and the-AFC.com takes a look at what can be expected from the groups.

#AsianCup2027 - Final Draw: What they said

Sun, 10 May, 2026

#AsianCup2027 - Final Draw: What they said

Riyadh: The stage is set for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with Saturday’s Final Draw producing six enticing groups.

As the teams plan their preparations for the January 7-February 5, 2027 continental showpiece, the-AFC.com listened to what several head coaches had to say after the glittering Final Draw at the historical Salwa Palace in Riyadh.

#AsianCup2027 - Road to glory paved

Sun, 10 May, 2026

#AsianCup2027 - Road to glory paved

Riyadh: Fans can expect a spectacular AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with Saturday's glittering Final Draw at the historical Salwa Palace in Riyadh producing a thrilling group stage.

The continental showpiece, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia for the first time, kicks off on January 7, 2027.

Europe Wrap: Asia’s best in sizzling form

Mon, 27 Apr, 2026

Europe Wrap: Asia’s best in sizzling form

Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Daizen Maeda, Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda as well as Korea Republic’s Lee Kang-in and Saudi Arabia’s Saud Abdulhamid were among the Asian stars playing pivotal roles in helping their teams obtain crucial results in major European leagues.

There were also goals and assists from other continental stalwarts, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe this past week.