Preview: The 2026 Challenge

Sun, 13 Sep, 2026

Preview: The 2026 Challenge

Kuala Lumpur: The next generation of talent will converge in Japan for the Asian Games 2026 as Korea Republic and Japan look to defend their gold medal in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

With the Women’s competition to kick-off the action on Monday, the-AFC.com previews the upcoming football festival.

Group C: Korea Republic 3-2 Ecuador

Sun, 13 Sep, 2026

Group C: Korea Republic 3-2 Ecuador

Lodz: Korea Republic sealed their spot into the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after edging 10-man Ecuador in their Group C fixture on Saturday.

The win saw Korea Republic finish second on four points behind group winners France, with Ecuador third on three points and facing an anxious wait to see if they will progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

Group D: Italy 1-1 Japan

Sat, 12 Sep, 2026

Group D: Italy 1-1 Japan

Lodz: Japan came from behind to hold Italy to a 1-1 draw in their final FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 Group D tie on Saturday.

The result means Japan concluded their group stage campaign unbeaten on five points to finish second, two adrift of Italy and will take on the winners of Group E in the Round of 16 on Friday.

#ACLElite - 5 Things to look out for

Sat, 12 Sep, 2026

#ACLElite - 5 Things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite™ 2026/27 gets underway with Matchday One to be played over the coming days. 

An expanded cast of 32 teams will battle for continental supremacy, with the League Stage promising intrigue from the opening whistle as established heavyweights, returning contenders and ambitious newcomers begin their campaigns.

The-AFC.com picks out five things to look out for.

#ACLElite - All you need to know

Fri, 11 Sep, 2026

#ACLElite - All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ is set for another exhilarating season as Asia’s finest prepare to battle for the ultimate glory in club football.

With the action to kick off on Monday, the-AFC.com takes you through the key things you need to know about the expanded version.

Quest for glory to ignite in #ACLTwo

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026

Quest for glory to ignite in #ACLTwo

Kuala Lumpur: The contenders in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ will have their sights set on the ultimate prize as they target a winning start on the opening matchday, which kicks off on September 15 (Tuesday).

Previously known as the AFC Cup™, Asia’s second-tier men’s competition was revamped to its current name from the 2024/25 season and is taking place for the 22nd occasion.