Europe Wrap: Dream La Liga start for Lee

Tue, 25 Aug, 2026

Europe Wrap: Dream La Liga start for Lee

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic’s Lee Kang-in netted on his debut for Atletico Madrid as the midfielder joined Saudi Arabia’s Saud Abdulhamid, Syria's Aiham Ousou and Japan’s Ayumu Yokoyama in scoring their first goals of the season.

Other Asian stars also made first appearances as the English Premier League, French Ligue 1, Italy’s Serie A and Spain’s La Liga kicked off their 2026/27 season, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers to kick off with new format

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers to kick off with new format

Kuala Lumpur: The journey towards the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ begins on August 31 (Monday), 2026 with the first round of matches in the centralised Qualifiers.

Taking place for a 23rd time since being introduced in 1980, this iteration of the qualification pathway offers 15 berths at next year’s Finals and sees the maiden implementation of a two-tiered format.

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr set early pace; winning start for Al Sadd

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr set early pace; winning start for Al Sadd

Doha: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season as champions Al Nassr Club cruised to a 4-0 win against Al Riyadh in their Saudi Pro League 2026/27 tie.

Akram Afif also got his first of the season as defending champions Al Sadd SC kicked off their new campaign with a 3-1 defeat of Al Ahli.

Defending champions Al Ain were among four teams who won their second successive matches in the UAE Pro League while Air Force SC had to settle for a second draw in as many matches.

Central & South Asia Wrap: IR Iran welcomes new season; East Bengal clinch Durand Cup

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: IR Iran welcomes new season; East Bengal clinch Durand Cup

Tehran: The Iran Pro League returned to action with its 2026/27 season following the suspension of the 2025/26 edition in February, with the league now expanded from 16 to 18 teams. 

East Bengal FC claimed the 2026 Durand Cup in India after a 22-year wait, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: JDT create history; Chengdu stunned in nine-goal thriller

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: JDT create history; Chengdu stunned in nine-goal thriller

Kuala Lumpur: Johor Darul Ta'zim began their Malaysia Super League title defence in emphatic fashion, beating Kuching City 3-0 to set a world record unbeaten league run to 109 matches.

Chengdu Rongcheng suffered a dramatic defeat but remain well clear at the Chinese Super League summit, while FC Machida Zelvia, Kashiwa Reysol and defending champions Kashima Antlers maintained their perfect starts in Japan.

FC Seoul strengthened their grip on top spot in Korea Republic with a seven-goal rout, while five teams made winning starts as the new Hong Kong Premier League season got underway.

Machida snap up Ogawa; Larsson completes Al Ettifaq move

Tue, 25 Aug, 2026

Machida snap up Ogawa; Larsson completes Al Ettifaq move

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Koki Ogawa has returned home to join FC Machida Zelvia while Jordan Larsson has made the switch to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq.

UAE side Al Wasl were also active with the signing of Croatian goalkeeper Dinko Horkas, while Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC bolstered their squads ahead of the new Australian season.