Ruiz stars with double as PSG silence Real Madrid

Thu, 10 Jul, 2025

Ruiz stars with double as PSG silence Real Madrid

East Rutherford: Fabian Ruiz scored twice as European champions Paris Saint-Germain turned on the style in their reunion with Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday, defeating Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 to set up a final showdown with Chelsea.

Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele scored inside nine minutes to stun Real and silence the majority of the 77,542 crowd who were wearing white at the MetLife Stadium outside New York.

 

The Spanish midfielder added another before half-time and Goncalo Ramos got a late fourth as Luis Enrique's side moved one game away from glory at FIFA's new tournament.

 

Victory against Chelsea on Sunday would complete a campaign of unparalleled success for the Parisians, who won the French title and then the first UEFA Champions League in their history in May.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3099701

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3099703

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3099705

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3099707

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3099874

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3099876

Joao Pedro brace sends Chelsea into final

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

Joao Pedro brace sends Chelsea into final

East Rutherford: New signing Joao Pedro scored twice on his first start as Chelsea eased to a 2-0 win over Fluminense on Tuesday to seal a spot in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

The Brazilian striker opened the scoring in lethal fashion in the 18th minute of the last-four clash at the MetLife Stadium and struck again shortly before the hour mark as Chelsea set up a showdown with either Spain's Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain of France in Sunday's final.

Korea Republic, China PR share spoils

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

Korea Republic, China PR share spoils

Suwon: A stoppage time Ji So-yun piledriver saw Korea Republic come from behind to hold China PR to a 2-2 stalemate in their 2025 (EAFF) E-1 Football Women’s Championship tie on Wednesday.

China PR led twice in the game but were denied maximum points at the very end by Ji's effort from distance.

Japan surge past Chinese Taipei in opener

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

Japan surge past Chinese Taipei in opener

Suwon: Japan opened their 2025 (EAFF) E-1 Football Women’s Championship campaign with a 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.

The defending champions will next face Korea Republic on Sunday, while Chinese Taipei will be looking to rebound when they take on China PR. 

Preview - Qualifiers - Group A: MD2

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

Preview - Qualifiers - Group A: MD2

Amman: Islamic Republic of Iran will be seeking a winning start when they take on Singapore in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers Group A tie on Thursday.

Aiming to reach a second successive Finals, Iran will aim to hit the ground running against a Singapore side who are under pressure following their 3-2 defeat to Bhutan on Monday.

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your best NEOM Future Star

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your best NEOM Future Star

Kuala Lumpur: A number of youngsters from across the continent dazzled at the recently concluded third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. 

Asian football continues to produce talent with huge potential to reach the highest level, with the likes of Lee Kang-in and Takefusa Kubo among those who have earned global recognition in recent years. 
 
After the completion of the third round of AFC Asian Qualifiers, the-AFC.com picks 11 players who impressed for their respective nations and asks you to vote for your favourite rising star.