East Asia Wrap: Chengdu stumble but stay top; Kashima launch title defence with thriller

Mon, 10 Aug, 2026

East Asia Wrap: Chengdu stumble but stay top; Kashima launch title defence with thriller

Tokyo: Chengdu Rongcheng suffered defeat but retained top spot in China PR, while FC Seoul were held again in Korea Republic as Ulsan HD closed the gap to seven points with victory over Pohang Steelers.

In Japan, defending champions Kashima Antlers began their title defence with a dramatic victory as the new J.League campaign got underway.

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#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Sun, 09 Aug, 2026

#ACLElite 2026/27 - All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ kicks off with the preliminary stage this coming week.

The third edition of the revamped continental showpiece promises more thrills and spills and the-AFC.com takes a deep dive into what can be expected from Asia's premier men's club tournament.

#ACLTwo 2026/27 - Facts & Figures

Mon, 10 Aug, 2026

#ACLTwo 2026/27 - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The race for the AFC champions League Two 2026/27™ title kicks off with the Preliminary Stage this week.

The action promises to be intense as the hopefuls look to replace Japan's Gamba Osaka as the next champions. The-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures ahead of the tournament kicking off.

#AWCL hopefuls ready for Preliminary Stage

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

#AWCL hopefuls ready for Preliminary Stage

Kuala Lumpur: The stakes will be high at the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) 2026/27™ Preliminary Stage when the first matchday kicks off on August 17 (Monday), with six coveted berths at the Finals on offer.

A record 24 clubs from 24 Member Associations (MAs)—five more than the previous mark from 2025/26—are vying for progress to the Group Stage of Asia’s premier women’s club tournament, which enters its third edition following a groundbreaking launch in 2024.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Alga’s unbeaten run broken; Fergana maintain lead

Mon, 10 Aug, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Alga’s unbeaten run broken; Fergana maintain lead

Bishkek: Alga Bishkek’s 17-match unbeaten run finally came to a halt in Kyrgyz Republic while Neftchi Fergana remained steady at the top in Uzbekistan.

The action in the Durand Cup continues to gain momentum in India, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

Sano makes PSV step up

Mon, 10 Aug, 2026

Sano makes PSV step up

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Kodai Sano’s upward trajectory continues after the central midfielder moved from NEC Nijmegen to PSV Eindhoven.

Three seasons with NEC saw the 22-year-old become a regular with 84 appearances and the former Fagiano Okayama player will now ply his trade under new boss Peter Bosz.