East Asia Wrap: Rongcheng, Seoul remain firmly in charge

Mon, 17 Aug, 2026

East Asia Wrap: Rongcheng, Seoul remain firmly in charge

Tokyo: Chengdu Rongcheng and FC Seoul maintained their tight grips on the title race in China PR and Korea Republic respectively with wins over the weekend.

Kashima Antlers recorded their second victory in as many matches but ended the matchday fourth in the standings as the new season of the J1 League starts to gather pace.

The-AFC.com reviews the past week's domestic action across East Asia.

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#AWCL 2026/27 - Preliminary Stage: All you need to know

Sat, 15 Aug, 2026

#AWCL 2026/27 - Preliminary Stage: All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ kicks off on Monday with the Preliminary Stage as the pursuit of glory begins.

With a record field, big names and an exciting cast of newcomers ready for action, the-AFC.com tells you - the fans - all you need to know ahead of the latest edition of Asia’s premier women’s club competition.

#ACLElite - League Stage Draw: All you need to know

Sat, 15 Aug, 2026

#ACLElite - League Stage Draw: All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: Excitement is building for the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage Draw which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

Fans can expect even more top quality matches as the teams look to lift the most coveted trophy in Asian club football. The-AFC.com highlights several interesting facts and figures about the League Stage Draw.

#ACLTwo - Group Stage Draw: Facts & Figures

Fri, 14 Aug, 2026

#ACLTwo - Group Stage Draw: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ is set to be a mesmerising affair with the Group Stage Draw to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

The third edition of the revamped competition will see the teams bidding to follow in the footsteps of 2024/25 winners Sharjah FC of the UAE and 2025/26 champions Gamba Osaka of Japan. The-AFC.com highlights several key facts and figures ahead of the Draw.

S-final (1st leg): Malaysia 0-2 Vietnam

Sun, 16 Aug, 2026

S-final (1st leg): Malaysia 0-2 Vietnam

Kuala Lumpur: Nguyen Xuan Son’s diving header and a late own goal from Faris Danish mean Vietnam hold the advantage in the second leg of their ASEAN Championship 2026 semi-final after Kim Sang-sik’s side secured a 2-0 win over Malaysia on Sunday.

Xuan Son scored in spectacular fashion in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time to give the defending champions the lead before the unfortunate Faris steered the ball into his own net with only four minutes remaining.

The teams will meet again in Hanoi on Wednesday with Vietnam attempting to win back-to-back titles for the first time. The winner will face either Thailand or Singapore, with the Thais holding a 3-1 lead from their first leg played on Saturday.

S-final (1st Leg): Singapore 1-3 Thailand

Sat, 15 Aug, 2026

S-final (1st Leg): Singapore 1-3 Thailand

Singapore: Seven-time champions Thailand will take a 3-1 lead into the second leg of their ASEAN Championship 2026 semi-final against Singapore after Anthony Hudson’s side cruised to victory at Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday.

Teerasak Poeiphimai scored twice in the opening 26 minutes to send the visitors on their way to a commanding victory before Shawal Anuar saw his penalty saved for the home side and Seksan Ratree hit Thailand’s third in the 51st minute.

Substitute Ilhan Fandi provided Singapore with a late lifeline through his strike from distance six minutes from time. The teams will meet again in Bangkok on Tuesday with the Singaporeans facing a significant task to advance to the country’s first final since 2012.