AFC to introduce Nations League to enhance development opportunities

Sun, 21 Dec, 2025

AFC to introduce Nations League to enhance development opportunities

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening National Team football across the Continent with plans to introduce an AFC Nations League in the coming period, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance development opportunities for its Member Associations (MAs) and establish a more structured and sustainable international match framework.

In line with the recent successful reforms across the AFC’s club competitions ecosystem, the Confederation continues to pursue strategic initiatives that support sustainable growth, competitive balance and meaningful match exposure, while improving calendar certainty for National Teams.

Qualifiers - Final Round: How the Groups stand

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Qualifiers - Final Round: How the Groups stand

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Five of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round had it all as the games lit up the continent.

A thrilling round of action saw Singapore make history, heartbreak and battles to the end set up, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how the groups stand with just one matchday remaining.

Kim hails Vietnam’s winning mentality

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

Kim hails Vietnam’s winning mentality

Vientiane: Kim Sang-sik was impressed with the performance of Vietnam after they came through a stern Laos test to win their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group F tie 2-0 on Wednesday.

Laos proved to be stubborn opponents and limited Vietnam’s attacking threats before Nguyen Xuan Son’s 68th minute penalty broke the deadlock, with Pham Tuan Hai putting the seal on the win late on.

Qualifiers - Group F: Laos 0-2 Vietnam

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Qualifiers - Group F: Laos 0-2 Vietnam

Vientiane: Vietnam kept the pressure on Malaysia after digging deep to beat Laos 2-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group F tie at Lao National Stadium KM16 on Wednesday.

Nguyen Xuan Son, returning to action for Vietnam for the first time since January, and Pham Tuan Hai scored in the second half to take their team back to three points behind Malaysia with the sides to meet in March to decide the group winners..

History-makers Singapore make Lee proud

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

History-makers Singapore make Lee proud

Hong Kong: Gavin Lee was proud with his players ability to respond after Singapore secured a return to the AFC Asian Cup™ by defeating Hong Kong, China 2-1 in their Qualifiers Final Round Group C tie on Tuesday.

The victory meant the Southeast Asian side booked their spot in the Finals on merit for the first time, with their only previous appearance as hosts of the 1984 edition, and Lee said it was achieved as his players continued to believe despite going a goal down.

Cuadrat urges Philippines to finish the job

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Cuadrat urges Philippines to finish the job

Male: Head coach Carles Cuadrat expressed mixed feelings after the Philippines defeated Maldives 2-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group A tie on Tuesday.

While the victory kept the Southeast Asian side very much in the race for a ticket to the Finals, Tajikistan lead the standings on goal difference after their 7-1 victory against Timor-Leste, with the sides tied on 13 points and to meet on March 31 in Dushanbe.

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Colombo: Jude Soonsup-Bell had a debut to remember after helping Thailand defeat Sri Lanka 4-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group D tie on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old - making his competitive debut for Thailand - scored twice after coming on in the 66th minute to replace Teerasak Poeiphimai with the Grimsby Town forward pleased with how the match turned out.