Europe Wrap: First goals for Kim, Hwang

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Europe Wrap: First goals for Kim, Hwang

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic’s Kim Min-jae and Hwang In-beom claimed their first goals of the season for Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and Eredivise’s Feyenoord respectively. 

Both internationals were making a comeback following injuries - Kim made the starting line-up for the first time in three matches while Hwang returned to the pitch in mid-December last year.

Other continental stars also found the back of the net or assisted goals, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

Preview - S-final: Vietnam v China PR

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Preview - S-final: Vietnam v China PR

Jeddah: Vietnam and China PR will lock horns in what promises to be a tightly contested AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

Both sides advanced to the penultimate stage in contrasting ways - Vietnam impressing with four wins while China PR had to battle every step of the way to reach the semi-finals for the first time.

Preview - S-final: Japan v Korea Republic

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Preview - S-final: Japan v Korea Republic

Jeddah:  Both teams are braced for a highly tactical battle when Japan meet Korea Republic in the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

It will be a meeting between familiar foes, with Japan aiming to emerge champions for a record-extending third time while Korea Republic want to add to their 2020 title. 

Visa named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Visa named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Visa, a global leader in digital payments, as the Official Global Supporter of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™, two of Asia’s premier men’s football competitions.

This partnership builds on Visa’s long-standing commitment to global sports and its focus on delivering secure, seamless, and innovative payment solutions. As a host nation, Saudi Arabia will welcome fans, teams, and partners from across the Continent, with Visa enabling enhanced fan engagement, greater accessibility, and more connected matchday experiences on and off the pitch.

Japan remain Asia's best despite drop

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Japan remain Asia's best despite drop

Kuala Lumpur: Japan dropped one spot but remained the highest Asian team in the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Monday.

Four-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Japan slipped to 19th, with several other Asian sides also suffering drops.

Herdman vows to lead Indonesia to greater heights

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Herdman vows to lead Indonesia to greater heights

Jakarta: New Indonesia head coach John Herdman has said he will look to harness the enthusiasm of the nation’s passionate support to lead the country into uncharted territory, including at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, after replacing Patrick Kluivert at the helm.

The Englishman, who led Canada to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, was unveiled last week and has already been impressed by the welcome he has received in the Southeast Asian nation.