AFC News

Ultimate battles to be revealed for #ACLElite Finals

Wed, 18 Mar, 2026

Ultimate battles to be revealed for #ACLElite Finals

Kuala Lumpur: The last eight clubs standing in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ will have their path to glory charted on March 25 (Wednesday) at 3pm at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.

With just under a month to kick-off in the centralised concluding stretch of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™, the draw ceremony will determine the pairings from the Quarter-finals to the showdown Final, with all seven single-leg battles to take place between April 16 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It’s My Game at #WAC2026: Michiko Dohi reflects on Asia’s evolving sports medicine landscape

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

It’s My Game at #WAC2026: Michiko Dohi reflects on Asia’s evolving sports medicine landscape

Sydney: As the Continent awaits the final showdown between Australia and Japan at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s It’s My Game campaign turns the spotlight on Michiko Dohi, whose efforts in advancing medical care for athletes have placed her at the forefront of safeguarding player welfare across Asia and beyond.

Dohi’s decades-long experience has seen her wear several hats, ranging from being Japan’s team doctor to serving as a member of the AFC Medical Committee. Now, as the 21st edition of the Continental showpiece nears its conclusion, the FIFA Medical Officer reflected on the evolving landscape of sports medicine in Asia, particularly within women’s football.

AFC announces discontinuation of bidding process for AFC Asian Cup™ 2031 and 2035

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

AFC announces discontinuation of bidding process for AFC Asian Cup™ 2031 and 2035

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced its decision to discontinue the ongoing bidding processes for the AFC Asian Cup 2031 and AFC Asian Cup 2035.

This follows recent engagement with FIFA concerning a potential revision to the international match calendar, which includes a proposal to stage future editions of the AFC Asian Cup™ in even-numbered years. In principle, the AFC has taken note of this direction and will work towards aligning its competitions accordingly.

Reforms introduced; China PR recommended to host AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup™ in 2028 and 2030

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Reforms introduced; China PR recommended to host AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup™ in 2028 and 2030

Sydney: The AFC Women’s Football Committee hailed the rising standards of the women’s game across the Continent, exemplified by the delivery of the best-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ in Australia, which will see the host nation face Japan for the coveted title at Stadium Australia in Sydney at 8pm (local time) on Saturday.

Chairing the Committee’s fifth meeting, Ms. Kanya Keomany also extended her wholehearted congratulations to the six Asian sides for sealing their places at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 and wished tomorrow’s finalists as well as the AFC’s representatives in the FIFA Inter-Confederation Play-Off Tournament the very best of

Korea Republic’s Kim Yu-jeong to officiate #WAC2026 Final

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Korea Republic’s Kim Yu-jeong to officiate #WAC2026 Final

Sydney: As the Continent’s attention turns to the Final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed Korea Republic’s Kim Yu-jeong to lead the cast of match officials overseeing the ultimate showdown at Stadium Australia.

Two of Asia’s finest sides will vie for glory on Saturday when hosts Australia face Japan in front of what promises to be a capacity crowd, as the Matildas look to rewrite history against a side that has twice denied them in the Final.

Up close with AFC Football Committee Chairperson Kanya Keomany

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Up close with AFC Football Committee Chairperson Kanya Keomany

Sydney: As the 21st edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup™ draws to an end on Saturday, the-AFC.com sat down to chat with AFC Women's Football Committee Chairperson Kanya Keomany

Keomany, who also serves as a member of the AFC Executive Committee and FIFA Council, reflected on the three weeks of unforgettable action that delighted fans across Asia and what the future of women's football looks like on the Continent.

AFC charts grassroots development direction for 2026/27 term

Wed, 18 Mar, 2026

AFC charts grassroots development direction for 2026/27 term

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment to ensure the beautiful game remains the number one sport across the Continent was reinforced today during the first AFC Grassroots Panel meeting for the 2026–2027 term.

Attended by 17 members, the virtual event laid out the pathways and priorities for the new cycle as part of the AFC’s ongoing mission to establish a firm foundation for the game throughout the Continent in collaboration with its Member Associations (MAs).

Latest update on AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026

Latest update on AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee has issued a decision in one case related to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round.

For the decision taken at the meeting held on 17 March 2026, please click HERE.

It’s My Game at the #WAC2026: Behind the scenes with match commissioners

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026

It’s My Game at the #WAC2026: Behind the scenes with match commissioners

Sydney: While the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ continues to showcase Asia’s finest players on the pitch, another team is playing an equally vital role behind the scenes

As part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s It’s My Game campaign, the spotlight now turns to the competition’s Match Commissioners, the team whose tireless efforts ensure every matchday is delivered to the highest standards.

#WAC2026 attendance crosses 200,000 mark

Sun, 15 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 attendance crosses 200,000 mark

Sydney: As the Quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ concluded on Sunday, the Continental showpiece recorded another historic milestone as total attendance for the ongoing edition surpassed an impressive 200,000 spectators.

The last eight tie between Japan and Philippines at Stadium Australia took the total attendance up to 223,112, with the landmark moment coming a day after the competition celebrated its 400th match in history on Saturday when Korea Republic defeated Uzbekistan 6-0 in the third Quarter-final.

TOT member Rae Dower reflects on technical trends at #WAC2026

Sun, 15 Mar, 2026

TOT member Rae Dower reflects on technical trends at #WAC2026

Sydney: While the action on the pitch often takes centre stage at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s Technical Observers’ Team (TOT) has been steadily at work behind the scenes, analysing every match to identify patterns, strategies and developments in the women’s game across Asia.

One of the key members of the team is FIFA Technical Expert Rae Dower, who spoke to the-AFC.com, to share her perspective on what the tournament reveals about the continued growth and competitiveness of the women’s game in Asia.

It’s My Game at #WAC2026: A dive into Dong Fangyu’s stellar career

Fri, 13 Mar, 2026

It’s My Game at #WAC2026: A dive into Dong Fangyu’s stellar career

Sydney: As the Continent’s attention remains fixed on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) shines the spotlight on China PR’s Dong Fangyu, who officiated the opening match of the competition, in the first instalment of the It’s My Game campaign this year.

As Perth Stadium geared up for a historic night that promised the highest-attended match in the history of the Continental showpiece at the time, Dong quietly added another milestone to her already impressive career.