Europe Wrap: Japan’s stars keep momentum going

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

Europe Wrap: Japan’s stars keep momentum going

Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s internationals, who took their team to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Matchday 8 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 last week, continued playing pivotal roles in giving their respective clubs victory across European leagues.

The rest of the Asian contingent followed suit, ensuring the continent’s leading names kept impacting the game at the highest level.
 
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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Saudi Arabia 2025 - Know Your Teams

Sun, 30 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia 2025 - Know Your Teams

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 with the 16 teams converging on the cities of Jeddah and Taif.

Ahead of the action kicking off on Thursday, the-AFC.com takes a deep look at the four groups with the teams not only chasing continental glory but also tickets to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

Proud Hossein hails IR Iran’s history makers

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

Proud Hossein hails IR Iran’s history makers

Pattaya: Naderi Hossein was beaming with pride after Islamic Republic of Iran rewrote the history books by retaining the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title on Sunday.

Iran became the first four-time champions on top of a bit of personal history after their emphatic 8-1 win against Oman in the final as Hossein hailed the immense standard within the squad.

Furusato promises Japan will come back stronger

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

Furusato promises Japan will come back stronger

Pattaya: Takeru Furusato admitted to feeling a burden off his shoulders as Japan finished their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™Thailand 2025 campaign with a 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia in the third-place playoff, which secured their place in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in May.

Furusato, who mostly played second fiddle to first-choice keeper Yusuke Kawai, also credited Saudi Arabia for keeping Japan on their toes until the final whistle.

Shaikh Salman lauds IR Iran on sealing record fourth AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ triumph

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

Shaikh Salman lauds IR Iran on sealing record fourth AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ triumph

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated champions the Islamic Republic of Iran and finalists Oman for their outstanding displays at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025, which drew to a close on Sunday at the Jomtien Beach Arena in Pattaya.

The Islamic Republic of Iran secured a landmark fourth crown after defeating rivals Oman 8-1 in a riveting final to emerge as the most successful side in the history of the Continental showpiece.

West Asia Wrap: Al Duhail maintain narrow lead; Shahab Al Ahli well clear

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Al Duhail maintain narrow lead; Shahab Al Ahli well clear

Doha: Al Duhail SC are closing in on the Qatar Stars League title after a crucial 2-0 win against Al Gharafa SC on Saturday.

Shabab Al Ahli, meanwhile, played to a stalemate with Sharjah FC as they stayed well clear in the UAE Pro League.

There was also action in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of matches across West Asia after the international break.

Central & South Asia Wrap: ISL semi-finalists confirmed; Tractor keep on rolling

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

Central & South Asia Wrap: ISL semi-finalists confirmed; Tractor keep on rolling

Mumbai: Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC made the semi-finals of the Indian Super League while Tractor extended their lead in the Iran Pro League with their sixth consecutive unbeaten match.

The leading teams in the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan began to assert themselves so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the domestic action across Central and South Asia this past week.

ASEAN Wrap: Svay Rieng, Buriram United stay in control

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

ASEAN Wrap: Svay Rieng, Buriram United stay in control

Kuala Lumpur: Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC maintained their narrow advantage in Cambodia while Auckland FC extended their lead in Australia.

In Thailand, Buriram United held firm at the top with a crucial victory, Manila Digger continued their strong form in the Philippines while the Singapore Cup semi-finalists were confirmed.
 
There was also action in Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam so join the-AFC.com in our review of the past week’s domestic action across ASEAN.

East Asia Wrap: Kashima Antlers edge Vissel Kobe; crucial win for Shandong Taishan

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Kashima Antlers edge Vissel Kobe; crucial win for Shandong Taishan

Hong Kong: Kashima Antlers defeated defending champions Vissel Kobe as they widened their lead at the top of the J1 League to three points.

Shandong Taishan pulled off a dramatic comeback to edge Meizhou Hakka in a seven-goal thriller as they took a share of the top spot in the Chinese Super League.

In Korea Republic, Daejeon stayed first despite being held while defending champions Ulsan HD suffered a shock defeat to Pohang Steelers. Tai Po took pole position in Hong Kong with a dominant victory and Falcons moved to the summit in Mongolia.

Join the-AFC.com in our weekly review of the East Asian domestic scene.