East Asia Wrap: Kashima extend lead; Jeonbuk go top; Eastern lift silverware

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Kashima extend lead; Jeonbuk go top; Eastern lift silverware

Hong Kong: League leaders continued to assert dominance in Japan and Korea Republic, with Kashima Antlers edging further ahead in the J1 League and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors dethroning Ulsan HD at the K League summit.

In Hong Kong, Eastern FC stormed to FA Cup glory with a stunning second-half comeback, while CPK pulled clear at the top in Macau.

Join the-AFC.com as we round up all the key results across East Asia.

#AsianQualifiers - MD9: How its stands

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD9: How its stands

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 enters its home stretch with the final two matchdays to be played over the coming days.

With Islamic Republic of Iran and Japan having already confirmed their tickets to next year's Finals, only four automatic spots remain up for grabs. 

An additional two will be at stake in the playoffs, setting the stage for no-holds barred contests. The-AFC.com takes a look at the state of play in each of the three groups.

Popovic uncertain on challenge Socceroos face against unfamiliar Japan

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

Popovic uncertain on challenge Socceroos face against unfamiliar Japan

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Popovic admitted he is uncertain about the challenge his side will face against Japan in Perth on Thursday after opposite number Hajime Moriyasu named an unfamiliar and inexperienced squad for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 clash.

With his team's qualification for the FIFA World Cup already secured, Moriyasu has taken the opportunity to pick eight uncapped players and 12 others with fewer than 10 international appearances for the Group C encounter that Australia must win.

Capellas steps down as Philippines head coach

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

Capellas steps down as Philippines head coach

Manila: Albert Capellas has resigned as head coach of the Philippines citing personal reasons ahead of the Southeast Asian nation’s AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ qualifier against Tajikistan on June 10.

Capellas, who took over from Tom Saintfiet in September and led the Philippines to the semi-finals of the ASEAN Football Federation Championship three months later, will be replaced on an interim basis by his assistant coach, Carles Cuadrat.

China PR stopped by USA

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

China PR stopped by USA

Saint Paul: China PR fell to a 3-0 defeat against the United States in a women's international friendly on Saturday.

Hong Kong, China defeated Malaysia 2-1 while Indonesia and Bangladesh played to a goalless draw.

Catley eyes success on home soil after lifting Champions League trophy with Arsenal

Sat, 31 May, 2025

Catley eyes success on home soil after lifting Champions League trophy with Arsenal

Melbourne: Steph Catley wants to steer Australia to the AFC Women's Asian Cup™ title on home soil after lifting silverware with club side Arsenal recently.

Catley and fellow Matildas Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross were part of the Arsenal squad that defeated Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final last week.

It ended Arsenal's long wait for the title - having also emerged champions in 2007 - and Catley said the success will act as motivation for her in Australia's bid to win the AFC Women's Asian Cup next year - having lifted the coveted trophy in 2010.

Brazil power past Japan

Sat, 31 May, 2025

Brazil power past Japan

Sao Paulo: Japan suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brazil in an international friendly on Friday.

The South American side powered to a 3-0 lead before Japan found a late response at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.

Johnson marks Australia debut with goal

Fri, 30 May, 2025

Johnson marks Australia debut with goal

Melbourne: Kahli Johnson had a debut to remember as she struck once in Australia's 2-0 win over Argentina in an international women's friendly on Friday.

The sides meet again on Monday as Australia intensify their preparations for the AFC Women's Asian Cup™ 2026 which they will be hosting.

#ACLTwo Match Predictor: The Recap

Thu, 29 May, 2025

#ACLTwo Match Predictor: The Recap

Kuala Lumpur: Following the conclusion of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 season, we look back at the campaign and see how you, our Match Predictor players, performed over the course of the season.  

Sharjah FC were crowned champions after they defeated Singapore’s Lion City Sailors 2-1 in the final to cap a memorable campaign for the Emirati side.  
 
Did your form hit similar heights? Read on to find out!