ACL Elite a game changer, says Park

Fri, 12 Sep, 2025

ACL Elite a game changer, says Park

Kuala Lumpur: Park Joo-ho has hailed the impact of the AFC Champions League Elite™, with the former Korea Republic star confident it will take the Asian game to the next level.

Having enjoyed a storied playing career in Europe and Asia before retiring in 2022, the former Korea Republic international believes the introduction of the ACL Elite format has elevated the competitiveness of the competition, particularly in the East.

As the continent prepares for another season of the continental showpiece, the-AFC.com sits down with Park to talk about the foundation of long-term success at the highest level.

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Sakai: Vissel Kobe's aim is to be Asia's best

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Sakai: Vissel Kobe's aim is to be Asia's best

Kobe: Vissel Kobe defender Gotoku Sakai is targeting a winning start to the club’s AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 campaign on Wednesday when the reigning J1 League titleholders face off against Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port FC.

Kobe return for their fourth attempt at claiming the continental title since making their debut in the competition in 2020, when an Andres Iniesta-inspired side reached the semi-finals in Doha.
 
That performance remains a high point for the Takayuki Yoshida-coached outfit, who won their second J1 League title in a row last season and who will be aiming to advance to the knockout rounds once again.

Predict and Win Exclusive Prizes with the Launch of the #ACLElite 2025/26 Match Predictor

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Predict and Win Exclusive Prizes with the Launch of the #ACLElite 2025/26 Match Predictor

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian football scene is preparing for another captivating season, as the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 kicks off on September 15, 2025. To celebrate this occasion, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched the official Match Predictor game on the-AFC.com and the AFC LIVE app, providing fans worldwide with the opportunity to win exclusive prizes

The game is free to play and available on the-afc.com/aclelite_predictor and through the AFC LIVE App on iOS and Android. 

Exclusive Prizes Await – Join the #ACLTwo 2025/26 Match Predictor today!

Fri, 12 Sep, 2025

Exclusive Prizes Await – Join the #ACLTwo 2025/26 Match Predictor today!

Kuala Lumpur: Test your football knowledge as the AFC has launched the AFC Champions League Two™ 2025/26 Match Predictor on the-AFC.com and the AFC LIVE app, with chances to win unique prizes starting September 16.

Football fans from across the regions are invited to participate in the Match Predictor by predicting the outcomes of all 125 matches of the 2025/26 season. The game is free to play and available on the-afc.com/acltwo_predictor and through the AFC LIVE App on iOS and Android.

#ACLTwo contenders ready to ignite Group Stage

Wed, 03 Sep, 2025

#ACLTwo contenders ready to ignite Group Stage

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for the Group Stage of the AFC Champions League Two™ (ACL Two) to kick off on September 16 as the 32 teams for the 2025/26 edition target Continental success.

Split into eight groups across two regions, the 21st season of the competition—previously known as the AFC Cup™ before a revamp in 2024/25—features two sides tasting Continental action for the very first time: Uzbekistan’s PFC Andijon and Cong An Ha Noi FC from Vietnam. A further 11 clubs are making their tournament debuts, namely Al Nassr Club, Al Wasl FC, Al Ahli SC, Esteghlal FC, FC Arkadag, FC Goa, Gamba Osaka, FC Pohang Steelers, Beijing FC, BG Pathum United, and Ratchaburi FC.

Hopefuls learn Group Stage challengers

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Hopefuls learn Group Stage challengers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2025/26 cast discovered their path to glory following the Group Stage Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 12 teams were divided into three groups for the second edition of the continental showpiece and will do battle in a centralised league format between November 9 to 23, 2025.