Media Releases - Latest News

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.

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.

Record-breaking 45 MAs commemorate 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Record-breaking 45 MAs commemorate 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day

Kuala Lumpur: A record-breaking 45 Member Associations (MAs) joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in celebrating the 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026.

The 2026 edition of the AFC’s annual event once again served as an excellent demonstration of the spirit of grassroots football that the Confederation continues to uphold by encouraging MAs to expand their reach and welcome people from all walks of life to experience the power of the beautiful game.

Battles to be unveiled for #AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers

Tue, 12 May, 2026

Battles to be unveiled for #AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The first step towards earning a coveted spot at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ will be taken with the Qualifiers Draw on May 28 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A cast of 44 teams are set to participate in the Qualifiers, which will take place for the 23rd occasion since first being implemented for the 1980 edition of the tournament.

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Mon, 18 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Kuala Lumpur: Following the thrilling conclusion of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has extended his warmest congratulations to DPR Korea for securing an unprecedented fifth continental crown after defeating rivals Japan 5-1 at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium.

Prior to Sunday’s Final, both teams stood deadlocked as the joint-most decorated nations with each holding four titles. With this monumental victory, DPR Korea retained the coveted silverware to stand tall as the most celebrated team in the competition's history.

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his warmest congratulations to Gamba Osaka following their 1-0 victory over Al Nassr Club in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Final at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on Saturday.

Defying an intense atmospheric challenge away from home, the landmark victory marks Gamba’s first major continental trophy since their famous 2008 AFC Champions League™ campaign. With this triumph, the Japanese side wrote an unprecedented chapter by becoming the first club in the East region to capture both the top-tier and second-tier titles in AFC club football.