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Qualifiers - Group F: Turkmenistan 0-1 Thailand; UAE 1-2 Iraq

Thu, 03 Sep, 2026

Qualifiers - Group F: Turkmenistan 0-1 Thailand; UAE 1-2 Iraq

Chonburi: Thailand moved three points clear at the top of Group F in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ Qualifiers on Thursday with a 1-0 win over Turkmenistan in Chonburi as Iraq battled back to secure an eventful 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates.

The Thais picked up their second win in a row with Siwa Pikulhom’s 57th minute volley earning Jukkapant Punpee’s side three points to move clear at the summit with one round of matches remaining.

The win follows an opening victory against the UAE and leaves Thailand on the cusp of qualifying for next year’s finals, which will be played in Uzbekistan.

Group F: Iraq 1-2 Turkmenistan; Thailand 1-0 UAE

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

Group F: Iraq 1-2 Turkmenistan; Thailand 1-0 UAE

Chonburi: Turkmenistan stunned Iraq 2-1 in their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ Qualifiers Group F opener on Monday.

Thailand were equally impressive, edging the United Arab Emirates 1-0.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Tractor power on; Paro pull further ahead

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Tractor power on; Paro pull further ahead

Bishkek: Tractor FC remained unbeaten after four matches as the defending champions stamped their mark on the newly-started Iran Pro League.

Paro FC’s Yuta Mishima, with 14 goals in 12 appearances, is on a hot streak in the Bhutan Pro League, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

Turkmenistan’s hybrid ACFAM programme graduates ready to showcase leadership capabilities

Sat, 29 Aug, 2026

Turkmenistan’s hybrid ACFAM programme graduates ready to showcase leadership capabilities

Ashgabat: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today marked the latest milestone of its landmark AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management (ACFAM) hybrid programme with the graduation of its participants in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Hosted in collaboration with the Football Federation of Turkmenistan (FFT), the six-month programme robustly equipped its 25 graduates with the leadership competencies required to meet the demands of the modern football industry.

Uzbekistan 2027 hopefuls discover qualification path

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Uzbekistan 2027 hopefuls discover qualification path

Kuala Lumpur: Teams aiming to vie for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027™ title discovered their Qualifiers challenge following the Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 35 teams were divided into seven groups of five to contest a single round-robin centralised league for the qualifying rounds that run from November 8 to 20, 2026.

The seven group winners will join the nine AFC representatives from the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 who have automatically qualified - Australia, China PR, Japan (defending champions), Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam - in the Finals.

Central & South Asia Wrap: IR Iran welcomes new season; East Bengal clinch Durand Cup

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: IR Iran welcomes new season; East Bengal clinch Durand Cup

Tehran: The Iran Pro League returned to action with its 2026/27 season following the suspension of the 2025/26 edition in February, with the league now expanded from 16 to 18 teams. 

East Bengal FC claimed the 2026 Durand Cup in India after a 22-year wait, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Issyk-Kul, Fergana stay ahead

Mon, 17 Aug, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Issyk-Kul, Fergana stay ahead

Bishkek: FC Bars Issyk-Kul regained pole position in Kyrgyz Republic while Neftchi Fergana cruised in Uzbekistan as their respective title contenders Muras United and Pakhtakor continue to threaten. 

In India, the 2026 Durand Cup inches to a close, so join the-AFC.com as we look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

PS: FC Arkadag (TKM) 3-0 FC Goa (IND)

Thu, 13 Aug, 2026

PS: FC Arkadag (TKM) 3-0 FC Goa (IND)

Arkadag: FC Arkadag defeated India’s FC Goa 3-0 to secure their place in the Group Stage of the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ at the Arkadag Stadium on Wednesday.

After a listless first half, Turkmenistan's Arkadag turned on the style after the break to put them in the Group Stage draw to be conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 18.

AFC Grassroots Day 2026 unites Asia’s football communities – Part 3

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

AFC Grassroots Day 2026 unites Asia’s football communities – Part 3

Kuala Lumpur: The 13th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Grassroots Day brought communities together across the Continent as 45 Member Associations (MAs) celebrated the beautiful game and engaged thousands of participants in a showcase of football's power to inspire, connect and include.

Held annually on May 23, this year's events once again coincided with FIFA's World Football Week, reinforcing the AFC's support for the United Nations' Football for the Goals initiative and its shared commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through football.
 
Join us at the-AFC.com for the third and final part of a series (Part 1 can be found here and Part 2 is here) that highlights how MAs embraced the AFC Grassroots Day 2026 with creativity and enthusiasm.

Central & West Asia Wrap: Air Force sign off in style; Arkadag power on

Mon, 08 Jun, 2026

Central & West Asia Wrap: Air Force sign off in style; Arkadag power on

Doha: Air Force SC concluded their title-winning season with a 3-2 win against Zakho.

In Turkmenistan, FK Arkadag keep their sights firmly on the championship with another emphatic win.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Newcomers Asia Talas signal intentions

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Newcomers Asia Talas signal intentions

Bishkek: Newly-promoted Asia Talas FC continue to make waves in Kyrgyz Republic with strong finishes while three-time champions FK Arkadag are edging closer to wrapping up another successful season in Turkmenistan.

Paro FC appear to be back to their winning ways after a poor start in Bhutan, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Arkadag march on; East Bengal claim maiden ISL title

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Arkadag march on; East Bengal claim maiden ISL title

Arkadag: Defending champions FK Arkadag continued their relentless march towards their fourth consecutive Yokary Liga title with two high-scoring outings. 

East Bengal clinched the Indian Super League in a thrilling final-day encounter to deny Mohun Bagan Super Giant while Bashundhara Kings concluded their season with three titles in Bangladesh, so join the-AFC.com as we look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.