Media Releases - Latest News

Next generation ready to shine at #U17WAC China 2026

Wed, 08 Apr, 2026

Next generation ready to shine at #U17WAC China 2026

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s latest crop of rising stars will convene next month to showcase their abilities at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, which gets underway on May 1 (Friday).

The 10th edition of the tournament features an expanded roster of 12 teams—four more than each of the preceding four editions—and will be staged in the elegant city of Suzhou, as China PR plays host for a fourth time after 2011, 2013 and 2015.

AFC announces ASPETAR as Official Medical Partner

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

AFC announces ASPETAR as Official Medical Partner

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced ASPETAR, one of the world's foremost orthopaedic and sports medicine hospitals, as its Official Medical Partner of all major AFC club competitions as well as several national team competitions through to June 2029.

Based in Doha, Qatar, ASPETAR is widely regarded as one of the leading sports medicine institutions in the world, providing elite-level care to professional athletes in various sporting disciplines. Through this partnership, ASPETAR will work alongside the AFC to support the continued growth of football across Asia.

Shaikh Salman lauds expanded #U20WAC format as Japan reclaim crown

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Shaikh Salman lauds expanded #U20WAC format as Japan reclaim crown

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his warmest congratulations to Japan for being crowned champions of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ as the East Asians defeated DPR Korea 1-0 to clinch their seventh title after a thrilling Final at the Thammasat Stadium in Thailand on Saturday.

It was a familiar battle for the title: for the fifth time in a row, the two powerhouses faced off in the all-important decider. With nine Final appearances each, their recurring rivalry once again highlighted their undisputed dominance in Asian youth women’s football.

New date for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw confirmed

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

New date for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw is now scheduled to take place on May 9, 2026, in Riyadh at the historic At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Originally slated for April 11 in Riyadh, the event was moved to ensure the full participation of all key stakeholders and Participating Member Associations. This adjustment reflects the AFC’s and LOC’s commitments to hosting a premier ceremony befitting the prestige and stature of the Continent’s flagship tournament.

Landmark expansion of AFC Champions League Elite™ from 2026/27 season recommended

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Landmark expansion of AFC Champions League Elite™ from 2026/27 season recommended

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Competitions Committee has recommended a series of strategic enhancements to the Continent’s premier club competition, the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite), headlined by a move to a 32-team format beginning in the 2026/27 season. 

The reforms underscore the AFC’s commitment to further promote inclusivity and excellence across the Continent whilst introducing a more rigorous qualification pathway to the Knockout Stage.

ACFAM brings hybrid programme to Turkmenistan

Tue, 07 Apr, 2026

ACFAM brings hybrid programme to Turkmenistan

Ashgabat: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) launched the latest edition of the AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management (ACFAM) in a hybrid format in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Tuesday, marking yet another step forward in enhancing the capabilities of its Member Associations (MAs).

Following successful iterations of the hybrid system in the Kyrgyz Republic and Indonesia, the Turkmenistan leg of the programme will comprise 29 participants from the Football Federation of Turkmenistan (FFT), as well as clubs and regional stakeholders, over five months.

Pioneering AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme to commence second edition

Thu, 02 Apr, 2026

Pioneering AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme to commence second edition

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s steadfast commitment towards advancing women’s leadership in the game continued today with the launch of the second edition of the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP).

The six-month online initiative, which explores the far-reaching contributions of women in various roles across football, will enable its 33 participants to better understand the global football environment, promote gender diversity, equity and inclusion as well as lay out ethical, strategic and collaborative approaches that look to overcome industry-related barriers.

Update on AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round

Mon, 30 Mar, 2026

Update on AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group B match between Lebanon and Yemen, originally scheduled for March 31, 2026, has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 4, 2026.

This decision was made to ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders, taking into account the material constraints currently affecting the Lebanese Football Association in identifying a neutral venue and arranging necessary travel for the match.

AFC Medical Committee approves landmark guidelines on dental care

Fri, 27 Mar, 2026

AFC Medical Committee approves landmark guidelines on dental care

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Medical Committee’s resolve to strengthen the professional care of Asian players was further underlined at its fifth meeting today with the approval of the breakthrough AFC Guidelines for Dental Health and On-field Management of Dental Emergencies.

The first comprehensive sports dentistry framework ever to be introduced in Asian football history, the living document, which will be regularly reviewed, updated and strengthened as new evidence emerges, is poised to set a new benchmark for player welfare by integrating oral health into mainstream football medical care.

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw postponed

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw postponed

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has today confirmed that the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw, which was scheduled to take place on April 11, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been postponed.

The decision was taken after careful consideration to ensure the undisrupted attendance of all stakeholders at the Final Draw ceremony.

#U20WAC contenders hunt ultimate glory at Thailand 2026

Tue, 24 Mar, 2026

#U20WAC contenders hunt ultimate glory at Thailand 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Continent’s top women’s youth teams are set to do battle next month at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Thailand 2026, which kicks off on April 1 (Wednesday).

Entering its 12th edition, the tournament has a stellar history of showcasing future stars tracing all the way back to the inaugural 2002 Finals, from the likes of Han Duan, Ma Xiaoxu, Mana Iwabuchi, Ji So-yun to Wang Shuang, Mary Fowler and Manaka Matsukubo.

#AWCL set for thrilling knockout showdowns

Wed, 18 Mar, 2026

#AWCL set for thrilling knockout showdowns

Kuala Lumpur: The battle to claim the ultimate prize in the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) 2025/26™ resumes this weekend when the remaining contenders gather for the Knockout Stage.

Eight of Asia’s elite progressed from the Group Stage, with the official draw in January setting the stage for four thrilling single-leg showdowns in the second edition of this landmark tournament.