IR Iran stay as Asia's best; Japan overtake Thailand

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

IR Iran stay as Asia's best; Japan overtake Thailand

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran remain as Asia's top side in the latest FIFA Futsal Men's World Ranking released on Thursday.

Japan, meanwhile, have overtaken Thailand as Asia's top-ranked women's since following their quarter-final run at the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3143038

#ACLElite - MD6 (East): In numbers

Thu, 11 Dec, 2025

#ACLElite - MD6 (East): In numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Six (East) of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 concluded this past week with the race for Round of 16 places remaining tight.

After an exciting matchday, the-AFC.com picks out several facts and figures that caught the eye from the East Zone.

Vote for your #AWCL Magic Moment Presented by STA

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

Vote for your #AWCL Magic Moment Presented by STA

Kuala Lumpur: From last-ditch saves to length-of-the-pitch patterns, the AFC Women's Champions League 2025/26™ group stage has already delivered the whole highlight reel.

These are the flashes of brilliance that turned matches, lifted crowds and told you everything about resilience, class and chemistry in a single frame.

Looking back at the completed three matchdays, the-AFC.com has selected eight of the Magic Moments Presented by STA and asks you, the fans, to vote for your favourite at the bottom of this article. Consider it your licence to relive, rewind and reward the moment that made you leap from your seat. 

Shah: Tampines have built on last season’s lessons

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

Shah: Tampines have built on last season’s lessons

Pathum Thani: Shah Shahiran has urged Tampines Rovers FC to keep their eyes on the ball after the Singaporean side completed their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Group H campaign with a swagger on Thursday.

The 2-0 win against Thailand’s BG Pathum United meant Tampines topped the group with 16 points, meeting the target of remaining undefeated after having failed to progress last season.

Goals from Koya Kazama and Trent Buhagiar sealed Thursday’s win, with Shah saying Tampines’ resurgence was built on lessons learned from last season.

Jebali wants perfect Gamba to go all the way

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

Jebali wants perfect Gamba to go all the way

Suita: Issam Jebali is determined to see Gamba Osaka fulfill the promise they have shown by lifting the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ title after the Japanese side completed a perfect group stage campaign by defeating Ratchburi FC 2-0 on Thursday.

The Japanese side finished a whopping nine points ahead of second-placed Ratchaburi and forward Jebali said there should be no let up, even with head coach Daniel Poyatos leaving the club.

Resilient Macarthur live up to Sterjovski’s expectations

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

Resilient Macarthur live up to Sterjovski’s expectations

Beijing: Head coach Mile Sterjovski applauded Macarthur FC after the Australian side overcame challenging conditions to defeat Beijing FC 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Two 2025/25™ Group E tie on Thursday.

Beijing FC’s Sai Erjiniao cancelled out Kristian Popovic’s opener with Harrison Sawyer converting a penalty to secure the Australian side their fourth win and top spot in the standings.