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Asian Moments: The Early Years

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in just over two weeks with the global showpiece to feature an expanded cast of 48 teams, including a historic nine Asian sides.

As we wait excitedly for the Asian challenge to kick off, the-AFC.com goes on a journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.

#AWCL - Facts & Figures

Mon, 25 May, 2026

#AWCL - Facts & Figures

Suwon: The AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ concluded on Saturday with DPR Korea's Naegohyang Women’s FC lifting the coveted trophy at the Suwon Sports Complex.

It was a tournament which had it all and as we await for next season's challenge to kick off, the-AFC.com takes a look at some facts and figures that caught the eye.

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.

ASEAN Wrap: Persib top of the mountain; Johor Darul Ta’zim complete sweep

Mon, 25 May, 2026

ASEAN Wrap: Persib top of the mountain; Johor Darul Ta’zim complete sweep

Kuala Lumpur: Johor Darul Ta’zim completed another dominant domestic campaign after defeating Kuching City FC to lift the Malaysia Cup and secure a third consecutive quadruple.

Auckland FC were crowned A-League champions after edging Sydney FC in the grand final, while Persib Bandung sealed the Indonesia Super League title on the final day.

Vietnam champions Cong An Ha Noi FC were denied a late victory while Kaya FC-Iloilo boosted their hopes in the Philippines title race with an impressive win over leaders One Taguig.

Shaikh Salman: Naegohyang Women’s FC's title quest underscores the rising prestige of #AWCL

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman: Naegohyang Women’s FC's title quest underscores the rising prestige of #AWCL

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised Naegohyang Women’s FC on their landmark achievement after the DPR Korea club secured the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ title with a 1-0 victory over Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the Final at the Suwon Sports Complex in Korea Republic on Saturday.

The AFC President highlighted the maiden champions’ clinical performance throughout the tournament, which culminated in them lifting the trophy as only the second-ever winners of Asia’s premier women's club competition whilst also extending his commendations to the runners-up for their valiant display in reaching their first ever Final.

Ri hails remarkable Naegohyang

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Ri hails remarkable Naegohyang

Suwon: Ri Yu Il was immensely proud of his Naegohyang Women’s FC side after they upstaged Tokyo Verdy Beleza to lift the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ trophy on Saturday.

Kim Kyong Yong’s 44th minute strike was the difference between the two teams in a contest which the DPR Korea club -formed only in 2012 - produced undeniably their best performance of the competition.

Off-key Tokyo Verdy disappoint Kusunose

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Off-key Tokyo Verdy disappoint Kusunose

Suwon: There was no hiding Naoki Kusunose’s disappointment after his Tokyo Verdy Beleza side ended up as bridesmaids in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ on Saturday.

After a campaign which had seen the Japanese side shine, the head coach was left dejected with their inability to cope with the strength of Naegohyang Women’s FC as they fell to a 1-0 defeat in the final at Suwon Sports Complex.

Naegohyang’s Kim earns MVP accolade

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Naegohyang’s Kim earns MVP accolade

Suwon: Kim Kyong Yong was named the Most Valuable Player of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ after helping Naegohyang Women’s FC lift the coveted title on Saturday.

The forward scored the only goal that saw the DPR Korea side defeat Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the final to succeed China PR’s Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC as the champions of Asia.

Melbourne’s McNamara takes Top Goalscorer crown

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Melbourne’s McNamara takes Top Goalscorer crown

Suwon: Holly McNamara’s four goals saw the Melbourne City FC stalwart take the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ Top Goalscorer award on Saturday.

McNamara’s adventure may have ended at the semi-final stage but her performances in the previous rounds were enough to win her the accolade.

AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Sat, 23 May, 2026

AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has hailed Japan’s unprecedented dominance after the young Samurai Blue secured a record-extending fifth AFC U17 Asian Cup™ title.

A hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR in Friday’s final in Jeddah saw the East Asian giants add to their storied legacy of 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2023, further cementing their status as the Continent’s premier youth powerhouse.

Kim strike steers Naegohyang to glory

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Kim strike steers Naegohyang to glory

Suwon: Naegohyang Women’s FC created history after defeating Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 to win the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/6™ title at Suwon Sports Complex on Saturday.

Kim Kyong Yong struck in the 44th minute as Ri Yu Il’s side - the first women’s club team from DPR Korea to compete at the continental level - booked their ticket to the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027.

Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Jeddah: Midfielder Maki Kitahara reflected with a mixture of pride and self-criticism after helping Japan clinch the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR on Friday.

Kitahara, who finished the tournament with Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards, played a decisive role in the final by scoring Japan’s third goal in a dominant first-half display that ultimately proved enough despite a nervy finish.