#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers to kick off with new format

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers to kick off with new format

Kuala Lumpur: The journey towards the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ begins on August 31 (Monday), 2026 with the first round of matches in the centralised Qualifiers.

Taking place for a 23rd time since being introduced in 1980, this iteration of the qualification pathway offers 15 berths at next year’s Finals and sees the maiden implementation of a two-tiered format.

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr set early pace; winning start for Al Sadd

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr set early pace; winning start for Al Sadd

Doha: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season as champions Al Nassr Club cruised to a 4-0 win against Al Riyadh in their Saudi Pro League 2026/27 tie.

Akram Afif also got his first of the season as defending champions Al Sadd SC kicked off their new campaign with a 3-1 defeat of Al Ahli.

Defending champions Al Ain were among four teams who won their second successive matches in the UAE Pro League while Air Force SC had to settle for a second draw in as many matches.

Central & South Asia Wrap: IR Iran welcomes new season; East Bengal clinch Durand Cup

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: IR Iran welcomes new season; East Bengal clinch Durand Cup

Tehran: The Iran Pro League returned to action with its 2026/27 season following the suspension of the 2025/26 edition in February, with the league now expanded from 16 to 18 teams. 

East Bengal FC claimed the 2026 Durand Cup in India after a 22-year wait, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: JDT create history; Chengdu stunned in nine-goal thriller

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: JDT create history; Chengdu stunned in nine-goal thriller

Kuala Lumpur: Johor Darul Ta'zim began their Malaysia Super League title defence in emphatic fashion, beating Kuching City 3-0 to set a world record unbeaten league run to 109 matches.

Chengdu Rongcheng suffered a dramatic defeat but remain well clear at the Chinese Super League summit, while FC Machida Zelvia, Kashiwa Reysol and defending champions Kashima Antlers maintained their perfect starts in Japan.

FC Seoul strengthened their grip on top spot in Korea Republic with a seven-goal rout, while five teams made winning starts as the new Hong Kong Premier League season got underway.

Boubina, Millot strengthen Al Diriyah

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Boubina, Millot strengthen Al Diriyah

Kuala Lumpur: Al Diriyah are leaving no stones unturned as they look to make good on their historic debut season in the Saudi Pro League with the capture of Adil Boubina and Enzo Millot.

Al Diriyah, who secured back-to-back promotions the past two seasons, finished third in the Saudi First Division and went on to beat Al Ula in the playoffs.

Taremi moves to Al Wasl; Nunez joins Al Diriyah

Sun, 23 Aug, 2026

Taremi moves to Al Wasl; Nunez joins Al Diriyah

Kuala Lumpur: Mehdi Taremi and Darwin Nunez were among the biggest names on the move as clubs across Asia continued to strengthen their squads.

Islamic Republic of Iran international Taremi completed a move to UAE Pro League side Al Wasl SC, while Uruguay forward Nunez switched Saudi Arabian clubs after joining Al Diriyah on loan from Al Hilal SFC.

Itakura back with Gladbach; Al Shabab nab Partey

Sat, 22 Aug, 2026

Itakura back with Gladbach; Al Shabab nab Partey

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Ko Itakura completed a return to the German Bundesliga after re-signing for Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 29-year-old played in the Dutch Eredivisie with Ajax last season and captained Japan to the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

#AFCU17 hopefuls set for Qualifiers Draw

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

#AFCU17 hopefuls set for Qualifiers Draw

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027™ will begin with the Qualifiers Draw on August 27 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Set to take place at 3pm, the ceremony will split the 35 participating teams into seven groups of five to contest a single round-robin centralised league for the qualifying rounds that run from November 8 to 20, 2026.

Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan learn Brazil 2027 playoff path

Fri, 21 Aug, 2026

Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan learn Brazil 2027 playoff path

Kuala Lumpur: Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan have discovered their paths in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 Playoff Tournament, with the two sides aiming to further increase Asia’s representation at the global showpiece.

The preliminary phase draw, conducted in Zurich on Thursday, placed the AFC representatives among six teams battling for two places in the final phase of the Inter-Confederation Playoffs.

Einaga seals Belgium move; Cancelo returns to Barcelona

Fri, 21 Aug, 2026

Einaga seals Belgium move; Cancelo returns to Barcelona

Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Takatora Einaga secured a move to Europe after completing a permanent transfer to Belgian side K. Beerschot V.A.

Einaga has signed a two-year contract at the Kiel, with an option for an additional season.

Elsewhere, Al Hilal SFC defender Joao Cancelo returned to Barcelona and Ryo Nakamura joined Thespa Gunma on loan.

Suzuki completes Villa switch; Qadsiah powered by Reijnders

Thu, 20 Aug, 2026

Suzuki completes Villa switch; Qadsiah powered by Reijnders

Kuala Lumpur: Aston Villa announced on Wednesday they have signed Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki while Al Qadsiah Club have strengthened with the capture of Dutch international Tijani Reijnders.

Suzuki joins the reigning Europa League champions on a permanent transfer for a reported fee of around 35 million euros ($40 million) from Serie A outfit Parma.

Born in the United States, Suzuki made his debut for Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds aged 18. Following a short stint in Belgium with Sint-Truiden, he spent the past two seasons with Italian side Parma.

HOY renews partnership with AFC as Official Media Partner in Hong Kong, China

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

HOY renews partnership with AFC as Official Media Partner in Hong Kong, China

HOY will continue delivering free-to-air coverage of Asia's flagship national team and club competitions to fans across Hong Kong, China

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with HOY media network (HOY), extending its role as the Official Media Partner of the AFC in Hong Kong, China.