#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Sun, 09 Aug, 2026

#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ kicks off with the preliminary stage this coming week.

The third edition of the revamped continental showpiece promises more thrills and spills and the-AFC.com takes a deep dive into what can be expected from Asia's premier men's club tournament.

Townsend continues Thai adventure; NEOM unveil trio

Sun, 09 Aug, 2026

Townsend continues Thai adventure; NEOM unveil trio

Kuala Lumpur: Former England international Andros Townsend will continue his career in Thailand after joining PT Prachuap, while Saudi Arabia’s NEOM SC strengthened significantly with the additions of Georgios Masouras, Mohannad Abu Taha and Khalil Al Absi.

Shabab Al Ahli, Sharjah, Fagiano Okayama, PSIM Yogyakarta and Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC were also active as clubs across Asia continued fine-tuning their squads.

Group B: Malaysia, Thailand make semis

Sat, 08 Aug, 2026

Group B: Malaysia, Thailand make semis

Kuala Lumpur: Thailand set up an ASEAN Championship 2026 semi-final with four-times champions Singapore as Anthony Hudson’s side notched up a 2-0 win over Myanmar in Bangkok to seal top spot in Group B while Malaysia also advanced after their 1-0 victory over the Philippines.

The Singaporeans will host the first semi-final on August 15 against the seven-times champions with the return in Bangkok three days later while Malaysia will play against title holders Vietnam in the second semi-final on August 16 and August 19.

A penalty in each half from Worachit Kanitsribumphen and Jehhanafee Mamah earned the Thais their fourth win of the group phase as Hudson’s side finished with a perfect record and three points clear of the second-placed Malaysians.

Group A: Vietnam, Singapore advance

Fri, 07 Aug, 2026

Group A: Vietnam, Singapore advance

Hanoi: Vietnam confirmed their progress to the semi-finals of the ASEAN Championship 2026 on Friday with a 3-1 win over Cambodia as Singapore also advanced after securing a 1-1 draw with Indonesia to take second place in Group A.

The defending champions topped the group with their third win in four group matches, finishing two points ahead of the Singaporeans, who took second place with eight points, one ahead of Indonesia.

Lee wants history-makers Singapore to inspire pride and growth

Thu, 06 Aug, 2026

Lee wants history-makers Singapore to inspire pride and growth

Riyadh: Trailing by a goal in their penultimate fixture of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round, Singapore’s hopes were fading fast in front of a near-capacity home crowd.

Defeat to Hong Kong, China in the winner-takes-all showdown would eliminate the Lions via the head-to-head criterion and extend an absence from Asia’s crown jewel that dates back to their debut in 1984, while sealing back-to-back qualifications for the home side.

But a two-goal salvo within five minutes saw Gavin Lee’s charges flip the script and stun the hosts, as they held on for a historic victory last November that sealed a maiden qualification on merit to the AFC Asian Cup™.

Tomiyasu joins Kamada at Palace

Sat, 08 Aug, 2026

Tomiyasu joins Kamada at Palace

Kuala Lumpur: Crystal Palace announced the signing of Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer on Friday, joining fellow international Daichi Kamada at the Premier League club.

The 27-year-old former Arsenal player is manager Pierre Sage's second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of defender Oscar Mingueza.

Tomiyasu, capable of playing at full-back and centre-back, spent the second half of last season at Dutch giants Ajax.