Europe Wrap: Asia’s best make their mark

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Europe Wrap: Asia’s best make their mark

Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Daizen Maeda, Australia’s Martin Boyle and Jordan’s Mousa Al Tamari were among the goal scorers and goal-makers lighting up key fixtures across major European competitions.

Follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

Japan end 2025 on top

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Japan end 2025 on top

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will end 2025 firmly entrenched as Asia's top side following the latest FIFA World Ranking issued on Monday.

Asian sides who moved upwards were Jordan, Vietnam and Singapore while Qatar and Malaysia dropped four and five spots respectively.

Year in Review: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan emerged champions of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™ after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the final.

It was Uzbekistan's second lift of the trophy, having also emerged champions in 2012.

Year in Review: AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran emerged champions for a record fourth time after defeating Oman in the final of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025™.

The two, together with Japan - who defeated Saudi Arabia in the third-place playoff - qualified for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.

Year in Review: AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™

Sun, 21 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™

Kuala Lumpur: Australia emerged champions of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™ after a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Saudi Arabia in the final.

It was the Young Socceroos’ first title at the tournament and secured FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 qualification, with Saudi Arabia and losing semi-finalists Japan and Korea Republic also advancing to the global showpiece.

Karma Dema: I want to open doors for more women in Bhutanese football

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Karma Dema: I want to open doors for more women in Bhutanese football

Kuala Lumpur: The latest edition of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s It’s My Game campaign follows the career of Bhutan’s Karma Dema, one of the 20 women coaches selected for the pilot edition of the landmark AFC–Japan Football Association (JFA) Pro Diploma course.

At just 32, Dema has already carved her name into Bhutanese football history when, in 2024, she took charge of newly formed Tsirang FC, becoming one of the first women to lead a men’s team in the Bhutan Premier League (BPL).