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Preview: Group B

Mon, 26 Jan, 2026

Preview: Group B

Jakarta: Powerhouse Thailand will have a fight on their hands when they kick off their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group B campaign against Lebanon on Tuesday.

The group top seeds and thrice-runners-up take on the seven-time quarter-finalists, who are eager to make up for their non-show at the last edition.

The other tie will see Vietnam face off against Kuwait, who are both looking to stamp their mark after having regularly made the Finals but with no success.

Preview: Group A

Mon, 26 Jan, 2026

Preview: Group A

Jakarta: The battle for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ title starts on Tuesday with Group A - featuring Iraq, Kyrgyz Republic, Indonesia and Korea Republic - taking centrestage.

Quarter-finalists in 2024, Iraq and Kyrgyz Republic will look to start their respective campaigns with a statement performance while Indonesia will be counting on home support against Korea Republic.

#AFCU23 - Saudi Arabia 2026 in numbers

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 - Saudi Arabia 2026 in numbers

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ concluded with Japan defeating China PR in the final on Saturday.

It was a tournament that lived up to expectations with exciting action from the first to the final blow of the whistle.

The-AFC.com picks out several facts and figures that caught the eye.

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal held; Erbil suffer setback

Mon, 26 Jan, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal held; Erbil suffer setback

Doha: Al Hilal SFC's lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League was reduced to five points following a 1-1 draw with Al Riyadh on Sunday.

Erbil SC's title hopes suffered a setback in Iraq while there were also matches in Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon and Oman, so join the-AFC.com as we review the past week's domestic action across West Asia.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Persepolis make their move; Maziya pull further ahead

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Persepolis make their move; Maziya pull further ahead

Tehran: Persepolis drew level with leaders Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC after they emerged victorious in their face off in the Iran Pro League.

Maziya Sports and Recreation Club moved closer to a second successive Dhivehi Premier League title in the Maldives, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Late twists, big upsets and leaders stay strong

Mon, 26 Jan, 2026

ASEAN Wrap: Late twists, big upsets and leaders stay strong

Kuala Lumpur: A hectic week across ASEAN football delivered plenty of drama and decisive moments, with league leaders tested and chasing sides landing major blows in the race for points and positioning.

In Australia, Central Coast Mariners shared a thrilling 2-2 draw with Auckland FC while Thailand’s title chase tightened further as Port FC claimed a huge win over Ratchaburi to shake up the battle behind runaway leaders Buriram United.

Elsewhere, Persib Bandung continued to set the pace in Indonesia with a narrow win to protect top spot, and Lion City Sailors kept their perfect record intact in Singapore with another ruthless attacking display.

Lee Chung-yong leaves Ulsan

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Lee Chung-yong leaves Ulsan

Kuala Lumpur: AFC Champions League™ winner Lee Chung-yong announced his departure from Ulsan HD on Sunday after six seasons with the K League 1 outfit.

Lee, who joined Ulsan in 2020 and helped the club to the continental title at the end of his first year back in Korea Republic, leaves having also won three K League 1 crowns since signing from Vfl Bochum.

#ACFutsal2026 - Players to watch

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

#ACFutsal2026 - Players to watch

Jakarta: The AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ goes under the microscope with the 16 teams having confirmed their respective squads in their chase for continental glory.

With just two days until the big kick-off, the-AFC.com highlights one player from each team to look out for.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-final-china-pr-0-4-japan

Oiwa: Japan are on the right track

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Oiwa: Japan are on the right track

Jeddah: Head coach Go Oiwa believes Japan’s development programmes are doing their job after guiding his team to a 4-0 victory over China PR in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The triumph made Japan the first team to successfully defend the crown and lift the trophy for a third time, with Oiwa having also steered them to glory two years ago.

We tried but couldn’t challenge, admits China PR’s Puche

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

We tried but couldn’t challenge, admits China PR’s Puche

Jeddah: China PR left Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium dejected on Saturday, their dream of lifting a maiden title having been ended by a 4-0 defeat to Japan in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final.

In a thoroughly dominant performance by Japan, China PR’s challenge was as good as over following a 2-0 deficit at half time, with head coach Antonio Puche admitting his side had been out-thought and out-played. 

Japan’s Sato receives MVP honour

Sun, 25 Jan, 2026

Japan’s Sato receives MVP honour

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato was named the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ MVP following Japan’s 4-0 win against China PR in the final on Saturday.

The midfielder was influential throughout the tournament, featuring in all six matches as Japan became not only the first team to win back-to-back titles but also extend their record of triumphs to three.