LATEST NEWS - SAFF

Benzema joins Al Hilal

Tue, 03 Feb, 2026

Benzema joins Al Hilal

Riyadh: Striker Karim Benzema has signed for Al Hilal SFC, the Saudi Pro League leaders announced on Monday.

The former France forward - in leaving Al Ittihad Club - has signed an 18-month contract.

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal held; Al Sadd close in

Mon, 02 Feb, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal held; Al Sadd close in

Doha: Al Hilal SFC's lead in the Saudi Pro League was reduced to three points after they were held by Al Qadisiyah.

Al Sadd SC, meanwhile, narrowed the gap with Al Gharafa SC to just two points after defeating the leaders while two wins over the week saw Shabab Al Ahli moving to the top of the UAE Pro League.

There were also matches in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria so join the-AFC.com in our weekly review of the West Asia domestic scene.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-group-d-saudi-arabia-6-1-malaysia

Group D: Saudi Arabia end journey in resounding fashion

Mon, 02 Feb, 2026

Group D: Saudi Arabia end journey in resounding fashion

Jakarta: Saudi Arabia overpowered Malaysia 6-1 in their final Group D of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ on Sunday.

The result gave Andreu Plaza’s side their first win while Malaysia finished bottom of the group after three defeats.

Saudi Arabia’s Aldahhan enjoying ‘coaching’ role

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Aldahhan enjoying ‘coaching’ role

Jakarta: Humood Aldahhan believes being a goalkeeper in futsal demands more than just keeping shots out and trying to keep a clean sheet for the team.

A key player for Saudi Arabia at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™, the 28-year-old said the game requires diverse responsibility for the player between the posts.

Group D top spot matters for Afghanistan, IR Iran

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

Group D top spot matters for Afghanistan, IR Iran

Jakarta: It will be a battle for the purists when Afghanistan take on Islamic Republic of Iran in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group D decider on Sunday.

Both have been flawless thus far, qualifying for the quarter-finals with a match to spare but something will have to give in Sunday’s highly-anticipated encounter.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-group-d-saudi-arabia-0-2-ir-iran

Group D: Saudi Arabia 0-2 IR Iran

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

Group D: Saudi Arabia 0-2 IR Iran

Jakarta: Islamic Republic of Iran survived a stern test to defeat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group D tie on Friday.

The defending champions had to withstand heavy pressure from Saudi Arabia throughout the match before two second half goals and Afghanistan’s 7-0 win against Malaysia in the later game, saw them advancing to the quarter-finals.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/photo/group-d-saudi-arabia-v-ir-iran

IR Iran’s Shamsaee, Afghanistan’s Mortezaei expect improvements

Wed, 28 Jan, 2026

IR Iran’s Shamsaee, Afghanistan’s Mortezaei expect improvements

Jakarta: Vahid Shamsaee and Majid Mortezaei are hopeful their respective sides will continue to shine after opening their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ campaigns with commanding wins on Wednesday.

Shamsaee’s Islamic Republic of Iran walked away with a 4-1 win against Malaysia while Mortezaei’s clinical Afghanistan saw off Saudi Arabia 3-0 but neither head coach wants their players to be satisfied with their start.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-group-d-afghanistan-3-0-saudi-arabia

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/photo/group-d-afghanistan-v-saudi-arabia