الأخبار

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: A highly confident Saudi Arabia will aim to maximise home ground advantage in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia relinquished their title to Japan in 2024 edition but will head into the tournament on home soil in fine form, having lifted the Arab U23 Cup 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final on Tuesday.

Rodgers takes charge of Al Qadsiah

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Rodgers takes charge of Al Qadsiah

Riyadh: Former Celtic and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has joined Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah as head coach.

Al Qadsiah are currently fifth in the Saudi Pro League and parted ways with previous head coach Michel Gonzalez on Sunday.

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is beginning to feel real — and before the first whistle blows, fans get to take charge with the #WAC2026 Dream XI. Build your ultimate team from a curated pool where generational legends meet the next wave of stars. 

Goalkeeper? Sorted. Time for the backline. Three defenders who can organise, disrupt, lead and inspire. From penalty-box generals to flying wide defenders, your nominees are ready. 

Europe Wrap: Asia’s finest in top form

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

Europe Wrap: Asia’s finest in top form

Kuala Lumpur: Reo Hatate, Ritsu Doan, Kento Shiogai and Keisuke Goto of Japan, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Lee Jae-sung of Korea Republic and Mousa Al Tamari of Jordan all featured among the goal-getters across major European leagues and competitions.

Other continental stars were also in the thick of action, so follow the-AFC.com as we take look at what Asia’s finest were up to in Europe the past week.

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ will be played in four stadiums across two cities.

Jeddah and Riyadh will witness what promises to be high quality action with 32 matches to be played. The-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the four stadiums.

S-final: Al Rashdan strike takes Jordan past Saudi Arabia

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

S-final: Al Rashdan strike takes Jordan past Saudi Arabia

Al Khor: Nizar Al Rashdan scored in the second half as Jordan secured a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

After a listless first half, Al Rashdan powered home a header in the 66th minute to book Jordan their place in the final against Morocco on Thursday. Saudi Arabia will face the United Arab Emirates in the third-place playoff. 

S-final: UAE’s title dream ended by Morocco

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

S-final: UAE’s title dream ended by Morocco

Al Rayyan: United Arab Emirates’ FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title hopes were dashed after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in their semi-final at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

Goals from Karim El Berkaoui and substitute Achraf El Mahdioui sealed victory for Morocco, who will face either Saudi Arabia or Jordan in the final at Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

#AFCU23: Stars who have shone

Mon, 15 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: Stars who have shone

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ has a history of showcasing some of the brightest talents on the continent as the players on display look to continue their rise to prominence.

Many of those who have stood out for their countries over the years have gone on to become key performers for their senior national teams and represent some of the biggest clubs in Asia and beyond.

As the seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup approaches its kick-off on January 6, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the other big names to have graced the tournament.

Chang: Wuhan Jiangda will learn from ASFAR experience

Mon, 15 Dec, 2025

Chang: Wuhan Jiangda will learn from ASFAR experience

Berrechid: Head coach Chang Weiwei saw a silver lining despite Wuhan Jiangda Women FC’s 2-1 defeat to Morocco’s ASFAR in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 second round on Sunday.

Wang Shuang had given the AFC Women's Champions League 2024/25™ winners the lead with a stunning strike just before the half-hour mark but ASFAR turned the game around with goals from Hajar Said and Sanaa Mssoudy to seal the win in extra-time.

Round 2: Wuhan Jiangda’s hopes dashed by ASFAR

Mon, 15 Dec, 2025

Round 2: Wuhan Jiangda’s hopes dashed by ASFAR

Berrechid: Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC’s campaign came to an end as Morocco’s ASFAR came from behind to defeat the China PR side 2-1 in their FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 second round clash on Sunday. 

ASFAR’s triumph at the Stade Municipal de Berrechid means they will meet European champions Arsenal in the semi-finals on January 28 in London.

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: Test your knowledge

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 is just weeks away and excitement is building.

As the teams get set for what promises to be thrilling action, the-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to test your knowledge of a tournament that has never failed to excite.

#ACLElite - Matchday 6 (East): What they said

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

#ACLElite - Matchday 6 (East): What they said

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Six (East) of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ was a tight affair as the teams battled it out for Round of 16 spots.

There were highs and lows as the race intensified and the-AFC.com listened to what was said after six intense matches.