Gamba Osaka swagger into final

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

Gamba Osaka swagger into final

Bangkok: Gamba Osaka were in total control as the J League 1 side defeated Bangkok United 3-0 in their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ semi-final second leg on Wednesday to advance to the final 3-1 on aggregate.

Jens Wissing’s side will now wait for the West Zone knockout stage to pan out to learn their opponents in the final, which is scheduled for May 16.

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Preview - Q-final: Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Vissel Kobe (JPN)

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Vissel Kobe (JPN)

Jeddah: Vissel Kobe head coach Michael Skibbe has said he is ready to welcome back his most experienced players for the J1 League side’s quarter-final clash with Qatar’s Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite Final Jeddah 2026™ on Thursday.

The Japanese outfit have arrived in Saudi Arabia in stellar form and Skibbe is confident the 2020 semi-finalists will be close to full strength when they take to the field to face Roberto Mancini’s team at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.

Al Sadd's Saiss, Vissel's Hirose confident of chances

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

Al Sadd's Saiss, Vissel's Hirose confident of chances

Jeddah: Roman Saiss will attempt to sleep his way to success at the AFC Champions League Elite Jeddah 2026™ as the Al Sadd SC defender looks to recuperate as well as possible ahead of the Qatari side’s quarter-final clash with Japan’s Vissel Kobe on Thursday.

The ex-Morocco international and his teammates prevailed in a penalty shoot-out at the end of their marathon last 16 clash with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC on Monday and, with only four days to prepare, rest and recovery will be the key if Al Sadd are to progress further.

Conceicao salutes Al Ittihad’s focus; Milanic proud of Al Wahda

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

Conceicao salutes Al Ittihad’s focus; Milanic proud of Al Wahda

Jeddah: Sergio Conceicao attributed Al Ittihad Club’s progression to the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ to the incredible drive of his players to cast aside immense pressure.

Fabinho overcame nerves to convert from the penalty spot in the dying seconds of extra-time as Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad ousted UAE's Al Wahda FC 1-0 following an evenly-matched 120 minutes of a tense Round of 16 encounter at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday.

Sousa: Shabab Al Ahli's hard work, vision paying off

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

Sousa: Shabab Al Ahli's hard work, vision paying off

Jeddah: Shabab Al Ahli head coach Paulo Sousa heralded the work done by the club’s hierarchy as the Emirati outfit returned to the upper reaches of the continental championship on Tuesday as a 3-0 win over Tractor FC booked a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™.

Second half goals from Yuri Cesar, Saeid Ezatolahi and Mateusao following a 52nd minute red card for Tractor goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand saw the Dubai-based outfit progress to the quarter-finals, where they will meet Thailand's Buriram United on Friday.

The club previously reached the last eight of the continental championship in 2015, two years prior to Al Ahli’s merger with Al Shabab and Dubai to form Shabab Al Ahli, and Sousa said qualification had been a long-held goal.

New date for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw confirmed

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

New date for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw is now scheduled to take place on May 9, 2026, in Riyadh at the historic At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Originally slated for April 11 in Riyadh, the event was moved to ensure the full participation of all key stakeholders and Participating Member Associations. This adjustment reflects the AFC’s and LOC’s commitments to hosting a premier ceremony befitting the prestige and stature of the Continent’s flagship tournament.