Preview: MD3

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

Preview: MD3

Kuala Lumpur: The race is set to intensify as teams in the ASEAN Championship 2026 look to strengthen their claim for semi-final spots while others will be aiming to reignite their campaign when matches resume on Friday.

Singapore and Malaysia lead Group A and Group B respectively but with plenty of matches still to be played, a lot could change in the coming days as the-AFC.com looks at what’s in store in the next round of matches.

Japan to host AFC U23 Asian Cup 2028™

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

Japan to host AFC U23 Asian Cup 2028™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee officially ratified a series of major hosting and regulatory decisions, including the confirmation of Japan as the host of the 2028 edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™, which will serve as Asia’s qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.

Japan secured the hosting rights following a competitive bidding process that included submissions from Jordan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Qatar, and Uzbekistan as well as the United Arab Emirates, who subsequently withdrew earlier this year.

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: There can only be a sense of optimism for Uzbekistan following their FIFA World Cup 2026 adventure.

The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be determined to build on the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they set their sights on future challenges.

Their immediate task will be aiming for the AFC Asian Cup™ 2027 title, with Saudi Arabia to host the continental showpiece for the first time in January.

Asian Review: Qatar

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: It was a FIFA World Cup 2026 of mixed emotions for Qatar as their campaign ended in the group stage.

Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.

Sailors capture Phaeton; Ko inks Dewa deal

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

Sailors capture Phaeton; Ko inks Dewa deal

Kuala Lumpur: Lion City Sailors have bolstered their attacking ranks with the signing of Guadeloupe international Matthias Phaeton, while Korea Republic defender Ko Myeong-seok has completed a move to Indonesia’s Dewa United.

David Aizawa has also left J.League outfit Vissel Kobe for Division 2 side Oita Trinita on loan, with Melbourne City adding Brazilian midfielder Matheus Rossetto to their squad.