Preview: Wydad AC (MAR) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Fri, 03 Feb, 2023

Preview: Wydad AC (MAR) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Rabat: AFC representatives Al Hilal SFC kick-off their FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2022 campaign with a heavyweight clash against host nation representatives Wydad AC at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Saturday.

Embarking on a third appearance in the intercontinental club competition - a record for Asian clubs - Al Hilal will be eager to better their fourth-place finishes from 2019 and 2021, but face a stern test against the African champions who will enjoy the benefit of a massive home support.
 
Al Hilal made their Club World Cup debut in Qatar 2019, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Brazil’s Flamengo and Mexico’s Monterrey to finish fourth. Two years later in Abu Dhabi, it was a similar scenario, with victory against hosts Al Jazira followed by defeats to Chelsea and Al Ahly FC and a second fourth place finish.

SAFF ready to stage a spectacular AFC Asian Cup 2027™

Thu, 02 Feb, 2023

SAFF ready to stage a spectacular AFC Asian Cup 2027™

Manama: The 33rd AFC Congress confirmed the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) as the Host Association of the AFC Asian Cup 2027™ in the capital city of Bahrain yesterday.

Having being crowned champions of Asia on three different occasions (1984, 1988, 1996), Saudi Arabia are also among the most successful teams to have ever participated in the flagship contest. 

Transfer Wrap: Big names on the move (West)

Thu, 02 Feb, 2023

Transfer Wrap: Big names on the move (West)

Dubai: The end of January concluded one of the most exciting winter transfer windows in recent times across the world, and Asian football was no exception.

Whether it was replacing injured players, plugging defensive gaps, or boosting their squads ahead of a title charge or a relegation battle, clubs in West Asia were busy throughout the month. The-AFC.com looks at some of the key moves across the region this winter.

Transfer Wrap: Big names on the move (ASEAN & East)

Thu, 02 Feb, 2023

Transfer Wrap: Big names on the move (ASEAN & East)

Kuala Lumpur: It’s been a busy month in the world of transfers across Asia with big names swapping clubs domestically as well as moving between countries and continents. 

With a number of clubs signing players ahead of the kick-off to their 2023 campaigns and others looking to bolster their squads mid-season, the-AFC.com highlights some of the most notable moves involving teams from the East and ASEAN regions in recent weeks. 

Al Ahly sweep aside Auckland City in opener

Thu, 02 Feb, 2023

Al Ahly sweep aside Auckland City in opener

Tangiers: Egyptian giants Al Ahly brushed past New Zealand's Auckland City 3-0 on Wednesday in the opening round of the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2022.

Hussein El Shahat hammered in a long-range drive in first-half stoppage time for Al Ahly, who added to their lead with goals from Mohamed Sherif and Percy Tau.

Al Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup

Tue, 31 Jan, 2023

Al Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup

Dubai: Returning for the third time in four years, Al Hilal SFC are set to become the first Asian side to participate in three editions of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Saudi giants move clear of eight other clubs who have appeared in the competition twice; Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Sadd SC, Ulsan Hyundai, Guangzhou Evergrande, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Kashima Antlers and Al Jazira.
 
Al Hilal prepare to face hosts Wydad AC of Morocco as they attempt to better their previous two fourth-place finishes. The-AFC.com looks back at the two previous campaigns enjoyed by the Riyadh powerhouse.

Six memorable Asian matches

Fri, 08 Dec, 2023

Six memorable Asian matches

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad are set to represent Asia in the 20th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, a competition that has long provided some thrilling encounters for Asian teams over the years.

Ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 kicking-off on Tuesday, the-AFC.com takes a stroll down memory lane by exploring some of the finest matches involving Asian teams in the tournament's history.

The Club World Cup in Stats

Fri, 27 Jan, 2023

The Club World Cup in Stats

Tangier: The FIFA Club World Cup has never failed to thrill fans with high octane action and spectacular matches.

With the Morocco 2022 kick-off fast approaching, we take a look at the global showpiece's stats over the past 18 editions. 

Ighalo: Al Hilal can win the Club World Cup

Wed, 25 Jan, 2023

Ighalo: Al Hilal can win the Club World Cup

Riyadh: Odion Ighalo crashed to the Saint Petersburg turf, desolate. A Lionel Messi wonder goal had helped extinguish his FIFA World Cup dream.

Ighalo hadn’t even departed Krestovsky Stadium by the time he was obsessing over Qatar 2022. The Nigeria striker knew he’d be 33 at the time. He was desperate to be there.
 
And he was. Yet not in a capacity Ighalo could have ever imagined. The Lagos native was part of Nigeria squad that agonisingly lost on away goals to arch-rivals Ghana in a playoff for a place at the 22nd World Cup. Ighalo nevertheless travelled to Qatar to passionately support a country he had never even stepped foot in two years ago.
 
After a fruitful spell at Al Shabab, Ighalo crossed Riyadh to join Al Hilal in January 2021 – just days before they debuted in the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021. It was the start of a love affair between the player and the Saudi Arabian superpower.
 
FIFA+ caught up with Ighalo to discuss his goalscoring exploits, Al Hilal’s ambitious quest to beat the likes of Flamengo and Real Madrid to the Morocco 2022 trophy, the passion of his club’s fans, his admiration for Salem Al Dawsari, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe, and his Qatar 2022 experience.