Media Releases - Latest News

Largest-ever cast for #U17WAC Qualifiers Draw

Mon, 13 Jul, 2026

Largest-ever cast for #U17WAC Qualifiers Draw

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ will witness the highest ever number of participating teams in its Qualifiers as it looks towards the 2027 edition.

A total of 30 teams—two more than the previous record of 28 from the 2019 Qualifiers—will enter the draw, which takes place on July 16 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

AFC announces US media rights partnership with CBS Sports

Thu, 09 Jul, 2026

AFC announces US media rights partnership with CBS Sports

Every match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and AFC U23 Asian Cup 2028™ to stream live on Paramount+

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced a media rights partnership with CBS Sports in the United States of America and its territories (including Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico), giving fans across the country access to live English-language coverage of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2028™, with every match streaming live on Paramount+.

Volunteer registration opens for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Volunteer registration opens for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Riyadh: The opportunity to experience the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ as a volunteer has arrived today with the start of the registration process.

With six months to go before the grandest-ever edition of the Continental showpiece kicks off on January 7, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has opened sign-ups for the tournament’s volunteer programme, which is open to all.

Record cast in hat for #AWCL Preliminary Stage draw

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Record cast in hat for #AWCL Preliminary Stage draw

Kuala Lumpur: Ahead of its third season, the AFC Women’s Champions League™ will welcome its largest-ever number of participants as the 2026/27 campaign prepares to kick off with the Preliminary Stage draw.

Reinforcing the encouraging growth of women’s football across the Continent, a total of 30 clubs—five more than the preceding edition—from 29 different Member Associations (MAs) have registered entries.

AFC President hails dynamic duo, urges focus on long-term growth

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

AFC President hails dynamic duo, urges focus on long-term growth

Kuala Lumpur: The President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has extended his warmest congratulations to Asia’s standout duo—Japan and Australia—following their qualification for the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

By navigating through the Group Stage of the newly expanded 48-team format, the pair’s advancement ensures that the AFC equalled its historical best of two teams reaching the knockout rounds on foreign soil, matching the milestone originally set at South Africa 2010.

ALBAIK™ named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

ALBAIK™ named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced ALBAIK™ as an Official Global Supporter of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™. The worldwide partnership brings one of Saudi Arabia's most loved homegrown food brands into the commercial programme of the Continent's flagship men's national team competition.

Founded in Jeddah in 1974, ALBAIK™ has grown from a single outlet into one of Saudi Arabia's most recognised brands, and its partnership with the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ carries that legacy into one of the most anticipated moments in the Kingdom's sporting calendar.

Astro renews partnership with AFC as Official Media Partner in Malaysia until 2028/29

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Astro renews partnership with AFC as Official Media Partner in Malaysia until 2028/29

Agreement ensures broad coverage of Asia's flagship national team and club competitions for local football enthusiasts

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Astro, Malaysia’s leading content and entertainment provider, extending its role as the Confederation’s Official Media Partner in Malaysia.

Alrajhi Bank named Official Regional Partner of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Alrajhi Bank named Official Regional Partner of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Multi-tournament partnership builds on the momentum of the recently concluded AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Alrajhi Bank as an Official Regional Partner of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
 
As the host nation prepares to welcome Asia’s most prestigious football competition for the first time, Alrajhi Bank will draw on its national network and financial solutions to bring fans closer to the action. This collaboration reflects Alrajhi Bank's commitment to supporting the development of sport in the Kingdom and delivering unique opportunities for its customers.

2026/27 line-ups confirmed for AFC men’s club competitions

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

2026/27 line-ups confirmed for AFC men’s club competitions

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today revealed the list of participating clubs for the 2026/27 seasons of its three men’s competitions.

The line-ups for the newly-expanded AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite), AFC Champions League Two™ (ACL Two) and AFC Challenge League™ (ACGL) were determined in accordance with the AFC Club Competitions – Entry Regulations (Edition 2025) and AFC Club Competitions 2026/27 Slot Allocation—which can be found here and here respectively—and the list of licensed clubs.

Shaikh Salman: The foundation for Asian success on the global stage is stronger than ever

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Shaikh Salman: The foundation for Asian success on the global stage is stronger than ever

Kuala Lumpur: As the global football spotlight shifts to North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has delivered a definitive message of solidarity and support to the AFC’s representatives who stand on the precipice of football history.

The landmark 2026 edition introduces an unprecedented 48-team format, paving the way for Asia’s largest and most formidable delegation to take to the field. Leading this historic charge is a distinguished blend of established giants and maiden campaigners, with debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan carrying the unified pride of billions alongside Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

AFC Certificate in Football Leadership set to elevate leadership capabilities across Asia

Mon, 25 May, 2026

AFC Certificate in Football Leadership set to elevate leadership capabilities across Asia

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment to strengthening leadership capacity across its Member Associations (MAs) was reinforced once again with the commencement of the fourth AFC Certificate in Football Leadership (ACFL) on Monday.

First launched in June 2023, the programme reflects the AFC’s unwavering efforts to uphold its Vision of becoming the world’s leading Confederation by nurturing the next generation of football leaders.

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.