Melbourne’s depth gives Stott confidence; Verdy’s Iwashimizu seeking final hurrah

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Melbourne’s depth gives Stott confidence; Verdy’s Iwashimizu seeking final hurrah

Suwon: Different motivations are guiding Rebekah Stott and Azusa Iwashimizu as Melbourne City FC and Tokyo Verdy Beleza prepare to meet in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ semi-finals on Wednesday.

Stott, who was part of the Melbourne side that finished runners-up last season, believes new signings like Aideen Keane, Chinaza Uchendu and Danella Butrus have made the team stronger, with the A-League Champions and Premiers titles wins as proof.

Iwashimizu, meanwhile, is at the end of her career and is seeking the continental title to complete her trophy cabinet. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3174752

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3174754

Preview - S-final: Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN)

Wed, 20 May, 2026

Preview - S-final: Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN)

Suwon: Michael Matricciani and Naoki Kusunose are equally confident that a place in the final is theirs for the taking when Melbourne City FC square off against Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ semi-finals on Wednesday.

It’s a meeting between two head coaches with vast continental experience as Matricciani took Melbourne to the final last season while Kusunose had previously guided Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies to the AFC Women’s Club Championship 2023™ title.

Preview - S-final: Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK) v Suwon FC Women (KOR)

Wed, 20 May, 2026

Preview - S-final: Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK) v Suwon FC Women (KOR)

Suwon: Park Kil-young is looking to maximise home ground advantage when Suwon FC Women meet Naegohyang Women’s FC in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Suwon head coach is counting on a reinforced squad and match fitness - with the domestic WK League underway - to power them to victory on home soil.

Naegohyang’s Kim, Suwon’s Ji relishing face-off

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Naegohyang’s Kim, Suwon’s Ji relishing face-off

Suwon: The challenge of reaching the final of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ is being embraced keenly by Naegohyang Women’s FC’s Kim Kyong Yong and Ji So-yun of Suwon FC Women.

The teams meet in the semi-finals at Suwon Sports Complex on Wednesday with both players optimistic of their respective chances.

Saudi Arabia stay top in latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Saudi Arabia stay top in latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed its latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Saudi Arabia continue to lead the way, with Japan and Korea Republic occupying second and third place respectively.

#U17WAC - In Numbers

Tue, 19 May, 2026

#U17WAC - In Numbers

Suzhou: The AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ came to a close in spectacular fashion on Sunday with DPR Korea retaining the trophy they won two years ago.

The 5-1 win against Japan cemented DPR Korea’s place as the best performing side in the history of the competition. As the tournament draws its curtain, the-AFC.com takes a look at the numbers that defined this latest edition