AFC News

Australia maintain top spot in latest AFC Women’s Club Competition 2025/26 Ranking

Thu, 28 May, 2026

Australia maintain top spot in latest AFC Women’s Club Competition 2025/26 Ranking

Kuala Lumpur: Australia held on to pole position in the latest AFC Women’s Club Competition 2025/26 Ranking, which was confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Thursday.

The leaders, with 97.418 points, are followed by Japan in second place while Korea Republic finished third.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Fu Ming – AFC Video Match Official

Thu, 28 May, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Fu Ming – AFC Video Match Official

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Alireza Faghani – AFC Referee

Mon, 25 May, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Alireza Faghani – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

AFC Certificate in Football Leadership set to elevate leadership capabilities across Asia

Mon, 25 May, 2026

AFC Certificate in Football Leadership set to elevate leadership capabilities across Asia

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s commitment to strengthening leadership capacity across its Member Associations (MAs) was reinforced once again with the commencement of the fourth AFC Certificate in Football Leadership (ACFL) on Monday.

First launched in June 2023, the programme reflects the AFC’s unwavering efforts to uphold its Vision of becoming the world’s leading Confederation by nurturing the next generation of football leaders.

Shaikh Salman: Naegohyang Women’s FC's title quest underscores the rising prestige of #AWCL

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman: Naegohyang Women’s FC's title quest underscores the rising prestige of #AWCL

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised Naegohyang Women’s FC on their landmark achievement after the DPR Korea club secured the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ title with a 1-0 victory over Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the Final at the Suwon Sports Complex in Korea Republic on Saturday.

The AFC President highlighted the maiden champions’ clinical performance throughout the tournament, which culminated in them lifting the trophy as only the second-ever winners of Asia’s premier women's club competition whilst also extending his commendations to the runners-up for their valiant display in reaching their first ever Final.

AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Sat, 23 May, 2026

AFC President: Japan’s fifth #AFCU17 title a ‘definitive blueprint’ for success

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has hailed Japan’s unprecedented dominance after the young Samurai Blue secured a record-extending fifth AFC U17 Asian Cup™ title.

A hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR in Friday’s final in Jeddah saw the East Asian giants add to their storied legacy of 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2023, further cementing their status as the Continent’s premier youth powerhouse.

Record-breaking 45 MAs commemorate 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Record-breaking 45 MAs commemorate 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day

Kuala Lumpur: A record-breaking 45 Member Associations (MAs) joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in celebrating the 13th AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026.

The 2026 edition of the AFC’s annual event once again served as an excellent demonstration of the spirit of grassroots football that the Confederation continues to uphold by encouraging MAs to expand their reach and welcome people from all walks of life to experience the power of the beautiful game.

AFC President's message on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

Fri, 22 May, 2026

AFC President's message on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

Tomorrow, we will mark the 13th edition of the AFC Grassroots Football Day, and once again, I am filled with gratitude towards our Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) for the incredible commitment they have demonstrated in expanding the reach of football across the length and breadth of Asia.

Time and again, this annual celebration has reminded us that the true spirit of the beautiful game lies not only in its elite competitions, but also in the countless communities where it is played, shared and passed on every day.

Battles to be unveiled for #AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers

Tue, 12 May, 2026

Battles to be unveiled for #AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The first step towards earning a coveted spot at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ will be taken with the Qualifiers Draw on May 28 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A cast of 44 teams are set to participate in the Qualifiers, which will take place for the 23rd occasion since first being implemented for the 1980 edition of the tournament.

Saudi Arabia stay top in latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Saudi Arabia stay top in latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed its latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Saudi Arabia continue to lead the way, with Japan and Korea Republic occupying second and third place respectively.

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Mon, 18 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Kuala Lumpur: Following the thrilling conclusion of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has extended his warmest congratulations to DPR Korea for securing an unprecedented fifth continental crown after defeating rivals Japan 5-1 at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium.

Prior to Sunday’s Final, both teams stood deadlocked as the joint-most decorated nations with each holding four titles. With this monumental victory, DPR Korea retained the coveted silverware to stand tall as the most celebrated team in the competition's history.

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his warmest congratulations to Gamba Osaka following their 1-0 victory over Al Nassr Club in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Final at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on Saturday.

Defying an intense atmospheric challenge away from home, the landmark victory marks Gamba’s first major continental trophy since their famous 2008 AFC Champions League™ campaign. With this triumph, the Japanese side wrote an unprecedented chapter by becoming the first club in the East region to capture both the top-tier and second-tier titles in AFC club football.