Europe Wrap: Fujita caps a memorable week for Asia

Mon, 23 Feb, 2026

Europe Wrap: Fujita caps a memorable week for Asia

Kuala Lumpur: Japan midfielder Joel Fujita struck his first goal, and a 70th-minute winner, for St Pauli in the Bundesliga. The 24-year-old’s first goal in 22 appearances this season not only earned his relegation-threatened side valuable points but was also their first win over their opponents since 1977.  

Fujita’s fellow international Koki Ogawa also scored a crucial goal minutes after coming on in the Eredivisie, joining other Continental names who signed the scoresheet across major leagues, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

#ACLElite – Vote for your Top Goal of Matchday 8 presented by VISA

Mon, 23 Feb, 2026

#ACLElite – Vote for your Top Goal of Matchday 8 presented by VISA

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday 8 was the final set of League Stage fixtures, the last chance to clinch a place, protect a position, or land a parting blow in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™.

From set-piece power to outrageous improvisation, these eight strikes captured the urgency of a closing night in Asia’s premier club stage.

Watch the contenders, pick the finish that moved you most, and cast your vote for the Visa Top Goal of MD8. 

Saudi Arabia top of AFC Men’s Club Competitions Mid-Season Ranking 2025/26

Mon, 23 Feb, 2026

Saudi Arabia top of AFC Men’s Club Competitions Mid-Season Ranking 2025/26

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia lead the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Men’s Club Competitions Mid-Season Ranking 2025/26, which was released today.

Having ended the 2024/25 rankings on top, the West Asians have retained their position in the latest update, which factors in the latest results from the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) 2025/26™, AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2025/26™ and AFC Challenge League (ACGL) 2025/26™.

Asia’s best vie for continental glory at #WAC2026

Sun, 22 Feb, 2026

Asia’s best vie for continental glory at #WAC2026

Kuala Lumpur: The grandest spectacle of women’s football on the Continent will commence when 12 of Asia’s finest women’s national teams converge Down Under for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™, which kicks off on March 1.

The 21st edition of the competition will take place from March 1 to 21, 2026, across Perth, Gold Coast, and Sydney, featuring spectacular venues, including those used during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, as the tournament returns to Australia for the first time since 2006.

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr back on top; Al Sadd pull clear

Mon, 23 Feb, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr back on top; Al Sadd pull clear

Doha: Al Nassr Club seized the Saudi Pro League top spot back with an impressive win against Al Hazem as Al Hilal SFC were held.

Al Sadd SC moved clear in the Qatar Stars League while the UAE Pro League is set for an exciting conclusion with Shabab Al Ahli and Al Ain involved in a thrilling race.

There were also matches in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon so join the-AFC.com in our weekly review of the domestic scene across West Asia.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Tractor slip up again; East Bengal take over ISL

Mon, 23 Feb, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Tractor slip up again; East Bengal take over ISL

Tehran: Reigning champions Tractor FC missed a chance to go to the top of the Iran Pro League as the top five sides continue to take turns in a tightly-contested race.

East Bengal FC claimed pole position as the Indian Super League moved into its second week, 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: Verdy shootout drama; Buriram blitz; Persib in control

Mon, 23 Feb, 2026

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Verdy shootout drama; Buriram blitz; Persib in control

Kuala Lumpur: Tokyo Verdy’s stoppage-time rescue and penalty composure headlined Round 3 in Japan, where they edged FC Machida Zelvia 3–2 in the shootout after a 2–2 draw, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima struck in the 90+7th minute to beat Cerezo Osaka 2–1 and stay top in Group B.

Thailand saw Buriram United deliver the most emphatic performance of the week, dismantling Sukhothai 6–0 while in Indonesia, Persib Bandung maintained their grip on the summit with a narrow 1–0 win over Persita while there were also matches in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines so join the-AFC.com in our weekly review of the domestic scene across ASEAN and East Asia.