News

Know your team: Australia

Sun, 15 Feb, 2026

Know your team: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: Australia will be determined to savour continental glory again when they host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Champions in 2010, Australia have a long storied history with the competition - starting with their participation as guests in the inaugural edition played in Hong Kong, China in 1975.

The Matildas - who reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 which Australia co-hosted with New Zealand - will be among the favourites, especially with the backing of their passionate fans.

#ACLElite – Vote for your Top Goal of MD7 presented by VISA

Sun, 15 Feb, 2026

#ACLElite – Vote for your Top Goal of MD7 presented by VISA

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday 7 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 delivered a highlight reel of pure quality: training-ground routines, counter-punch finishes and long-range rockets that bent matches to their will.

From Doha to Kobe, these strikes mixed craft and courage; now it’s over to you - the fans - to pick the standout. 

#ACLElite - Matchday 7: What they said

Fri, 13 Feb, 2026

#ACLElite - Matchday 7: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: There was joy for some and heartbreak for others on Matchday Seven of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™.

The-AFC.com listened to what was said after 12 intense matches as the continental showpiece returned to the forefront after the winter break.

#ACLTwo - Round of 16 (1st Leg): Facts & Figures

Sat, 14 Feb, 2026

#ACLTwo - Round of 16 (1st Leg): Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The first leg of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Round of 16 witnessed exciting tussles, big wins and last gasp comebacks.

With the teams to meet again next week, the-AF.com takes a look at facts and figures from the first leg that caught the eye.

Matsunaga chasing World Cup dream with Chinese Taipei

Sat, 14 Feb, 2026

Matsunaga chasing World Cup dream with Chinese Taipei

Sydney: When Saki Matsunaga lined up to face Japan at the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship last July, it represented a surreal and emotional experience for her.

Born in Funabashi, a city in Chiba Prefecture, Matsunaga picked up the sport at three under her father’s guidance and went on to play for Japan at the then-World University Games in 2017, before turning out for Sfida Setagaya FC and Ehime FC.

But, with a burning ambition to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Matsunaga decided to embark on a different trajectory at the end of 2023.

#ACLElite - MD7: In numbers

Fri, 13 Feb, 2026

#ACLElite - MD7: In numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Seven of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ saw more Round of 16 places filled after an action-packed 12 matches.

The matches saw big wins, heartbreak and eliminations and the-AFC.com picks out several facts and figures that caught the eye.

Everton hails Bangkok United’s grit; Sterjovski optimistic Macarthur will bounce back

Fri, 13 Feb, 2026

Everton hails Bangkok United’s grit; Sterjovski optimistic Macarthur will bounce back

Pathum Thani: Everton praised Bangkok United’s collective resolve after the Thai side secured a 2-0 win over Macarthur FC in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Round of 16 tie on Thursday.

The Brazilian was instrumental in helping Bangkok United keep a clean sheet and was quick to deflect praise towards his teammates.

Park, Wissing content with stalemate

Fri, 13 Feb, 2026

Park, Wissing content with stalemate

Pohang: Park Tae-ha and Jens Wissing expressed their satisfaction despite FC Pohang Steelers and Gamba Osaka sharing a 1-1 draw in their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Round of 16 first leg tie on Thursday.

New season jitters played a part in the result with the match being Pohang’s first of the year and Gamba’s second.

Vietnam’s Huynh Nhu confident of Asia’s rise

Fri, 13 Feb, 2026

Vietnam’s Huynh Nhu confident of Asia’s rise

Kuala Lumpur: Huynh Nhu’s longevity in women’s football with various clubs and the Vietnam national team marks her as the poster figure for budding players in the football-mad Southeast Asian country.

Huynh Nhu has served her nation with honour and diligence for 15 years, a career path that she has no regrets taking ever since the opportunity opened up to her to be a professional player at the age of 17.

While a large chunk of her career was spent with Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC, Huynh Nhu has had the opportunity to play two years in Portugal in 2022 with Vilaverdense FC, a period which opened her eyes to the potential of Asian players.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_two.html/video/acltwo-|-r16-1st-leg-bangkok-united-tha-2-0-macarthur-fc-aus

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_two.html/video/acltwo-|-r16-1st-leg-fc-pohang-steelers-kor-1-1-gamba-osaka-jpn

R16 (1st Leg): Bangkok United (THA) 2-0 Macarthur FC (AUS)

Thu, 12 Feb, 2026

R16 (1st Leg): Bangkok United (THA) 2-0 Macarthur FC (AUS)

Pathum Thani: Bangkok United took an early advantage after defeating Macarthur FC 2-0 in their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Round of 16 first leg tie on Thursday.

Goals from AIlias Alhaft and Arthur gave Bangkok United a comfortable lead  going into the return leg next week.