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100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Riyadh: Today marks the latest milestone for the grandest-ever edition of Asia’s crown jewel as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gears up to play host for the first time in tournament history.

With 100 days to go until the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on January 7, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed that preparations have transitioned from the planning phase to full operational status for the 19th iteration of the showpiece.

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: With the 100-day countdown officially underway, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and KELME today officially introduced KHUZAMA – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, taking place from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

Named after the resilient wild lavender that blooms across Saudi Arabia, KHUZAMA draws inspiration from the dramatic moment the landscape transforms as the flowers blossom in unison. The distinctive violet hue reflects the traditional ceremonial colour used to welcome honoured guests, symbolising the warm hospitality extended to every team, official, and fan attending the Continental showpiece.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/video/khuzama-official-match-ball-afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-2027™

Div 1: Derby stalemate keeps Group A open

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Div 1: Derby stalemate keeps Group A open

Jakarta: Ten-man Indonesia showed resilience to hold Malaysia to a goalless draw in their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Group A tie on Monday.

The other match saw Singapore pick up a hard-fought 1-0 win against Bangladesh to leave the group firmly in the balance.

Indonesia and Malaysia are on four points with Singapore one adrift with the final round of matches to be played on Thursday.

Ueda powers resilient Japan; Palestine beat Tajikistan; Korea Republic fall

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Ueda powers resilient Japan; Palestine beat Tajikistan; Korea Republic fall

Kuala Lumpur: Japan made it back-to-back victories after coming from behind to defeat Venezuela 2-1 in their men's international friendly on Monday.

In Suwon, Korea Republic suffered a 4-1 defeat against Uruguay, while Palestine scored twice in the second half to overcome Tajikistan 4-2 at the Tongliang Long Stadium in Chongqing.

Han proud of DPR Korea despite defeat

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Han proud of DPR Korea despite defeat

Lodz: Han Chol Hak applauded his DPR Korea players despite their heart-breaking defeat to Spain in the final of the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026 on Sunday.

The East Asian nation's bid for an unprecedented fourth title and the first to win back-to-back crowns was ended by a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat after the decider had ended goalless after 120 minutes.

Han said he could not fault his players' efforts against a resilient Spanish side.

Sri Lanka cruise; Jordan, Syria share spoils

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Sri Lanka cruise; Jordan, Syria share spoils

Kuala Lumpur: Sri Lanka scored an impressive 3-0 victory over Seychelles while Jordan and Syria settled for a 1-1 draw in international friendly action on Sunday.

China PR, meanwhile, suffered a 3-0 defeat against New Zealand in Chongqing.

Group B: Qatar, UAE book last four tickets

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Group B: Qatar, UAE book last four tickets

Jeddah: Qatar and the United Arab Emirates confirmed their spots in the Gulf Cup 2026 semi-finals after securing their second straight victories in Group B on Sunday.

Qatar defeated Yemen 1-0 while UAE were 3-0 winners against Bahrain with both on six points and meet on Wednesday to decide who tops the group.

DPR Korea suffer penalty heartbreak in final

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

DPR Korea suffer penalty heartbreak in final

Lodz: Goalkeeper Laia Lopez made two crucial saves in a shootout to help Spain clinch the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 title after defeating holders DPR Korea 4-3 on penalties on Sunday.

Spain and defending champions DPR Korea could not be separated in a tightly-contested decider. The game went to penalties, where Lopez saved efforts from Choe Yon A and finally Pak Il Sim as La Rojita claimed their second U-20 showpiece title following their triumph at Costa Rica 2022.

It is also the second global title in succession for Spain, whose senior men's team won the FIFA World Cup 2026 in July.

Div 2: Hong Kong, China, Cambodia impress

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Div 2: Hong Kong, China, Cambodia impress

Hong Kong: Hong Kong, China got their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Division 2 Group A campaign off to an emphatic start with a 4-0 win over Laos on Sunday.

A late Sin Kakada stunner ensured Cambodia also began their campaign on a winning note, edging Myanmar 1-0 in Group B.

Group A: Saudi Arabia sizzle; Iraq snatch late winner

Sun, 27 Sep, 2026

Group A: Saudi Arabia sizzle; Iraq snatch late winner

Jeddah: Feras Al Brikan starred with a brace as Saudi Arabia maintained their perfect start to their Gulf Cup 2026 Group A campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win over Oman on Saturday.

Iraq, meanwhile, needed a stoppage-time winner to overcome Kuwait and take their tally to four points.

Div 1: Thailand, Vietnam shine in openers

Sat, 26 Sep, 2026

Div 1: Thailand, Vietnam shine in openers

Bandung: Thailand and Vietnam lived up to their top billing after both secured winning starts to their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Division 1 Group B campaigns on Saturday.

Thailand faced little trouble as they defeated Pakistan 4-0 while Vietnam’s tie was a more tense affair with the reigning ASEAN champions emerging 1-0 winners against the Philippines.