Central, South & West Asia Wrap: Al Ansar emerge Lebanese champions; Istiklol crash to first defeat in Tajikistan

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Central, South & West Asia Wrap: Al Ansar emerge Lebanese champions; Istiklol crash to first defeat in Tajikistan

Bishkek: Al Ansar lifted the Lebanese Premier League title with victory over Nejmeh as the much-delayed 2025/26 season finally concluded on Sunday. 

FC Istiklol fell to their first Tajik League defeat in 12 outings while Neftchi Fergana saw their lead in the Uzbekistan Super League whittled down to a point.
 
Reigning Durand Cup champions NorthEast United FC opened their title defence with an emphatic win in India, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central, South and West Asia.

East Asia Wrap: Chengdu held again; Ulsan climb to second

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

East Asia Wrap: Chengdu held again; Ulsan climb to second

Seoul: Chengdu Rongcheng were forced to settle for another draw but remain top of the Chinese Super League while Qingdao West Coast climbed to second

Ulsan HD continued their resurgence in Korea Republic to move into second place. Join the-AFC.com as we review the past week's domestic action across East Asia.

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Riyadh: Ihab Abu Jazar is coming close to two years being in charge of the Palestine national team and it has been a period where the head coach can look back on fondly and also be encouraged of what’s to come.

Qualification to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ was achieved after the West Asian side finished second behind Australia in Group I of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

JDT nab Stoichkov; Ha Noi add Jung

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

JDT nab Stoichkov; Ha Noi add Jung

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim have further strengthened their squad with the arrival of forward Juan Diego Molina Martinez - also known as Stoichkov.

Head coach Xisco Munoz can look to the 32-year-old former Granada CF player to boost the squad for their domestic competitions as well as the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™after their historic run to the quarter-finals last season.

Group B: Thailand go top; Philippines find rhythm

Sat, 01 Aug, 2026

Group B: Thailand go top; Philippines find rhythm

Bangkok: Thailand moved into pole position in Group B of the ASEAN Championship on Saturday as Anthony Hudson’s side handed Malaysia a 2-0 defeat at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

Yotsakon Burapha’s penalty gave the seven-times champions the lead in the 38th minute and Teerasak Poeiphimai doubled the advantage 11 minutes into the second half as Thailand followed up their opening win over Laos with a second victory.

Heo joins Bayern academy; Sailors add Mance

Sat, 01 Aug, 2026

Heo joins Bayern academy; Sailors add Mance

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic goalkeeper Heo Jae-won has secured a move to Bayern Munich’s academy, while Singapore champions Lion City Sailors have strengthened their attacking ranks with the signing of Antonio Mance.

Clubs in Japan, Vietnam, Qatar and Korea Republic were also active with Taito Kanda, Iuri Castillo, Kalvin Luong, Abdullah Al Sulaiti, Ruben Macedo and Kim Min-ho completing moves.