Europe Wrap: Asia’s finest to the fore

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

Europe Wrap: Asia’s finest to the fore

Kuala Lumpur: Several of Asia’s best were again among the movers and shakers across European leagues as a host of names took centre stage before the first international football break of the year comes into effect this week. 

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

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Stage set for #ACLElite Finals Jeddah 2025

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

Stage set for #ACLElite Finals Jeddah 2025

Kuala Lumpur: The battle lines were drawn following the conclusion of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday.

The Finals will witness seven highly-anticipated matches taking place in a unique centralised format between April 25 and May 3 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

We believe we can do it, says Indonesia’s Struick

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

We believe we can do it, says Indonesia’s Struick

Kuala Lumpur: Rafael Struick has been a mainstay of Indonesia’s rise over the last two years, featuring prominently as the national team has made a major impact on the continental game.

Ahead of the upcoming matches in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26, the 21-year-old tells the-AFC.com about how his life has changed since 2023.

Thailand 2025: Know Your Groups C & D

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

Thailand 2025: Know Your Groups C & D

Pattaya: Anticipation for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 is reaching fever pitch with top class action set to illuminate Jomtien Beach in the coming days.

As the teams start converging on Pattaya, the-AFC.com takes a look at Groups C and D cast where four former champions - two in each group - will also be bidding for the title.

Thailand 2025: Know Your Groups A & B

Fri, 14 Mar, 2025

Thailand 2025: Know Your Groups A & B

Pattaya: The idyllic setting of Jomtien Beach takes centrestage once again with the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 kicking off on Thursday.

Three FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 spots are also up for grabs with Islamic Republic of Iran looking to defend the title they won at the same venue two years ago.

With the opening match just days away, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the Groups A and B cast.

West Asia Wrap: Al Shehri penalty keeps Al Ittihad four ahead; exciting race continues in Iraq

Sun, 16 Mar, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Al Shehri penalty keeps Al Ittihad four ahead; exciting race continues in Iraq

Doha: Al Ittihad SC ended a run of three draws with a last gasp 2-1 win over Al Riyadh to stay four points clear in the Saudi Pro League.

Zakro and Al Zawraa jointly lead the Iraqi Stars League while Al Ansar's perfect run came to an end in Lebanon.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the domestic action across West Asia with several leagues on a break ahead of the upcoming international matches.

East Asia Wrap: Record-setting Kashima remain in charge; Daejeon move clear

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Record-setting Kashima remain in charge; Daejeon move clear

Japan: Kashima Antlers maintained their position at the summit of the J1 League with a late equaliser against Urawa Reds, while Machida Zelvia continued their strong start with a narrow win over Albirex Niigata.

In Korea Republic, Daejeon took sole possession of the top spot with a convincing victory over Jeju SK, while defending champions Ulsan HD were held by Suwon FC in a tightly contested encounter.
 
Join the-AFC.com in our weekly review of the East Asian domestic scene.

ASEAN Wrap: Western United narrow gap; Buriram, Persib Bandung continue to cruise

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

ASEAN Wrap: Western United narrow gap; Buriram, Persib Bandung continue to cruise

Kuala Lumpur: Western United closed in on Auckland City in Australia after an impressive win over Newcastle Jets.

Buriram United and Persib Bandung maintained their positions in Thailand and Indonesia while there were also matches in Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore so join the-AFC.com in our review of the domestic action across ASEAN this past week.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Mumbai City book final ISL playoff spot; Tractor stay in pole

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

Central & South Asia Wrap: Mumbai City book final ISL playoff spot; Tractor stay in pole

Mumbai: Mumbai City FC clinched the final playoff spot in the Indian Super League to join the five other qualifiers in matches scheduled from late March to early April.

Tractor stayed top in Islamic Republic of Iran while Muras United avenged their Super Cup loss to FC Abdysh-Ata in their Kyrgyz Republic Premier League clash.

There were also mixed fortunes for the defending champions of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the domestic action across Central and South Asia this past week.