AFC Grassroots Panel focused on increased participation

Wed, 20 Mar, 2024

AFC Grassroots Panel focused on increased participation

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Grassroots Panel met virtually on Tuesday for its first meeting for the term 2024-25 to chart the way forward for the development of grassroots football in Asia. 

Chaired by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the meeting was attended by 14 experts from 14 Member Associations (MAs) of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). 

AFC Medical Centre of Excellence network expanded by AFC Medical Committee

Tue, 19 Mar, 2024

AFC Medical Centre of Excellence network expanded by AFC Medical Committee

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment to ensure the optimum level of medical care for Asian players was further emphasised today after the AFC Medical Committee approved the recognition of two new healthcare providers as part of the prestigious AFC Medical Centre of Excellence network at its second meeting held virtually.

The Japan Football Association Clinic and the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital in Vietnam were inducted into the world-class pool, expanding the total number of distinguished centres to 12 across the Continent.

New head coaches take charge

Tue, 19 Mar, 2024

New head coaches take charge

Kuala Lumpur: There will be several new head coaches in the dugouts when the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ resumes on Thursday.

As many as 10 teams were led by different coaches when the first two matchdays were played last November.

Europe Wrap: Ito wins it for Reims; Fowler fuels City’s title push

Tue, 19 Mar, 2024

Europe Wrap: Ito wins it for Reims; Fowler fuels City’s title push

Kuala Lumpur: Junya Ito came up with a late winner as Reims defeated Metz 2-1 on Saturday while Lee Kang-in also produced a stunning goal in defending champions Paris Saint-Germain’s 6-2 win against Montpellier on Sunday as they inched closer to a third consecutive league title in France. 

Mary Fowler was influential for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League as the Matildas star scored and provided an assist to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-1, while Iraq's Ali Al Hamadi struck a brace for promotion-chasing Ipswich Town in the English second tier. 
 
Hwang In-beom contributed a goal and assist for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, Iranian striker Ali Alipour was on target in Portugal and Yuito Suzuki bagged a hat-trick in Denmark, so join the-AFC.com as we find out how the Asian stars performed in Europe over the past week. 

Joint Preliminary Qualification - How the groups stand

Mon, 18 Mar, 2024

Joint Preliminary Qualification - How the groups stand

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ returns on Thursday after a four-month break with everything to play for.

The nine group winners and the respective runners-up will advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, and at the same time seal their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
 
The other 18 teams from Round 2 will proceed directly to the third and final round of AFC Asian Cup qualifying. 
 
The-AFC.com brings you up to speed with how the groups stand ahead of Thursday's Matchday Three.