News

Know your team: Thailand

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Thailand

Jeddah: Thailand will not be short of confidence when they go into their sixth successive AFC U23 Asian Cup™ challenge in the coming days.

Qualification was secured after topping Group F and Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul’s side will be looking to make a big splash at Saudi Arabia 2026.

#ACLTwo Knockout Stage finalised

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

#ACLTwo Knockout Stage finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The 16 hopefuls discovered their challengers following the conclusion of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Knockout Stage Draw on Tuesday.

All eight Round of 16 ties promise to be thrillers with all the hopefuls aiming to lift the coveted trophy for the first time.

Know your team: Australia

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Australia

Jeddah: Australia will be determined to put their group stage exit in the previous edition behind them by shining at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The Olyroos missed out on the quarter-finals in 2024 after finishing third in their group, their exit prompted by goalless draws against Qatar and Jordan and losing 1-0 to Indonesia. 

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Kuala Lumpur: History was made in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 as two nations sealed FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

Jordan and Uzbekistan ended their long waits in deserving fashion as they upstaged bigger names to book their tickets to next year's Finals to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Europe Wrap: Goto's purple patch continues

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Europe Wrap: Goto's purple patch continues

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Keisuke Goto’s recent brace in the Belgian Pro League made him the current joint top scorer with eight goals in 18 matches. Close behind are Korea Republic international Oh Hyeon-gyu and Goto’s compatriot Ryotaro Ito, who both have six apiece.

Germany’s Bundesliga, Netherland’s Eredivisie, Spain’s La Liga and France’s Ligue 1 are all on their winter break, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to elsewhere in Europe.

#ACLElite – Vote for your Top Goals of Matchday 6 presented by VISA

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

#ACLElite – Vote for your Top Goals of Matchday 6 presented by VISA

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Six of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ delivered everything we craved at the business end of the group phase: epic 6-goal clash, late winner, ruthless finishes, and moments of individual brilliance.  

Some sealed qualifications, others sparked comebacks, and a few reminded us why football can turn on a single touch. 
 
Now it's over to you. Here are the standout strikes competing for the Visa Top Goal of Matchday six. 

Know your team: Iraq

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Iraq

Jeddah: Iraq will head to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 aiming to better their run to semi-finals at the previous edition.

Champions in 2013, Iraq once again showed their pedigree by finishing third at Qatar 2024, their best result in nearly a decade.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/asia-at-the-fifa-world-cup-2026

Road to #AFCU23 glory ignites at Saudi Arabia 2026

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Road to #AFCU23 glory ignites at Saudi Arabia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: All eyes will turn to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a week’s time when the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ gets underway in the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh.

The Continent’s best talents are poised to prove that they can make the next step in their careers at the seventh edition of the tournament, which runs from January 6 to 24.

Year in Review: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea were simply unstoppable as they capped an amazing tournament by defeating the Netherlands 3-0 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2025.

In retaining the trophy they won in 2024, DPR Korea emerged champions for a record-extending fourth time.

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23 Match Predictor adds excitement to Saudi Arabia 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched the official AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Match Predictor, now available on the-AFC.com and the AFC LIVE app. 

The #AFCU23 match predictor will add extra excitement as in January 2026, 16 teams drawn into four groups will compete for the silverware at the seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™. Join, predict and win exclusive prizes with #AFCU23 Match Predictor. 
 
The hosts and 2022 champions Saudi Arabia are scheduled to meet the 2018 runners-up Vietnam, while two-time, defending champions Japan face the 2024 hosts Qatar - encounters befitting a tournament of continental stature. 

West Asia Wrap: Ronaldo stars as Al Nassr continue to dictate

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Ronaldo stars as Al Nassr continue to dictate

Doha: Al Nassr Club stayed firmly in charge of the Saudi Pro League title race with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice in their 3-0 win over Al Akhdoud.

Al Gharafa SC's push for Qatar Stars League glory suffered a setback while Al Ain FC were held in the UAE.

There were also matches in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Syria so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across West Asia.