News

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Thu, 28 May, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ Qualifiers are set to be a scintillating affair following the Official Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

To be staged between August 25 and September 6, 2026 in a centralised league system, these Qualifiers will feature the implementation of a new format as part of key reforms to the AFC’s youth competitions that were ratified earlier this year.

Designed to ensure more meaningful matches and opportunities for teams to compete against opponents of similar technical competency, a two-phase system featuring a promotion and relegation mechanism has been introduced.

Know your team: Japan

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Know your team: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a spring in their step and confidence high that they are set for a best ever outing at the global showpiece.

With the exception of the three hosts – Canada, Mexico and the USA – Japan were the first team to punch their ticket to the Finals, winning their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 group at a canter.

Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Thu, 28 May, 2026

Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Sydney: Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure are thriving in England's Championship and Australia head coach Tony Popovic is banking on the young attacking duo to fire the Socceroos to a best-ever FIFA World Cup.

Australia head to North America and a tricky Group D alongside Paraguay, Turkey and co-hosts the United States in buoyant mood.

They are unbeaten in 11 games stretching back to September 2024 and aiming to go beyond the last 16 for the first time.

In Qatar four years ago they gave eventual champions Argentina a scare in the Round of 16 before going out in a brave 2-1 defeat orchestrated by Lionel Messi.

Asian Moments: 1994

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 1994

Kuala Lumpur: As we move ever closer towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the football world converging on Canada, Mexico and the United States for the global showpiece, the-AFC.com continues its series where we look back at the displays of Asian teams in the tournament over the years.

Having reviewed the 1990 competition last time round, we turn our focus to the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States which was the last one with just two representatives from Asia and where the displays by both Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic only justified the inclusion of more Asian nations in the later editions.

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.

Feisty Japan veteran Nagatomo still hungry

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Feisty Japan veteran Nagatomo still hungry

Tokyo: Mellowing with age was never likely for Japan's 39-year-old Yuto Nagatomo, who is as irrepressible as ever as he prepares for his fifth FIFA World Cup - an Asian record.

The left-back may not be able to get around the pitch as quickly as he could during his Inter Milan heyday, but his relentless enthusiasm could be Japan's secret weapon in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Know your team: IR Iran

Tue, 26 May, 2026

Know your team: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will take it one step at a time at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they bid to make history at the global showpiece.

Three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners, Iran have been at the forefront of Asian football for decades and will be on a mission to translate that success onto the global stage.

Son 'feeling great' despite goal drought

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Son 'feeling great' despite goal drought

Salt Lake City: Son Heung-min said he was "feeling great" ahead of the FIFA World Cup and backed himself to perform despite suggestions that Korea Republic's talismanic captain's powers are on the wane.

The 33-year-old skipper has scored only two goals since leaving Premier League side Tottenham for Los Angeles FC in the MLS in August last year.

Asian Moments: 1990

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 1990

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11 with nine Asian sides among the 48 teams vying for the coveted trophy.

As we count down towards the opening game between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, the-AFC.com continues our journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.

The 1990 FIFA World Cup saw Korea Republic and the United Arab Emirates make strides forward in their footballing histories.

Despite not winning a single game, Korea Republic ended up unearthing two players who would forever become icons of Korean football, while the UAE’s rise to prominence in Asian football was marked with a debut FIFA World Cup appearance six years before they reached the AFC Asian Cup™ final.

Know your team: Australia

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Know your team: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: With a historic nine Asian sides among the cast of 48 teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, the continent is set for a fiesta of football.

As the kick-off to the global showpiece rapidly approaches, the-AFC.com takes a deep look as the Asian hopefuls, with Australia kicking off the series.

Tony Popovic's side will be aiming to reach new heights after overcoming a difficult start to cruise through the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

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.

Europe Wrap: Cheers and tears for Asia’s best as season ends

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Europe Wrap: Cheers and tears for Asia’s best as season ends

Kuala Lumpur: With major European leagues officially closed for the season, there was much cheer for Japan’s Daizen Maeda, Korea Republic’s Lee Kang-in and his countryman Kim Min-jae, who were part of championship-winning squads in Scotland, France and Germany.

There was also disappointment for other continental stars as their clubs were relegated, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.